Trade Certification Program Graduation Ceremony

Date: Sunday, June 15, 2008

On June 15, 2008 the American Chamber of Commerce’s Trade-Related Assistance Center (TRAC) sponsored a graduation ceremony for the participants of its Trade Certification Program. The ceremony was presided over by AmCham President Omar Mohanna, USAID Deputy Mission Director John Groarke and TRAC director Dr. Magda Shahin.

Eighteen young professionals successfully completed the two semester training course organized by TRAC in coordination with the American University in Cairo (AUC) and the Import and Export Institute in Washington, DC. The program consisted of three courses: Global Marketing, Global Culture, and Exporting and Importing skills. Students learned important information about working within the WTO system, the ins and outs of the export system within the Egyptian customs structure, in addition to international marketing skills, and the cultural aspects of trade. Upon successful completion of these three courses the candidates completed a rigorous certification exam that was offered and corrected by Import and Export Institute.

TRAC organized the Trade Certification Program in an effort to bring into the labor force new skills. AmCham President Omar Mohanna commented, “This Program serves as an important tool to enhance the performance of the private sector through providing much needed training to equip young professionals who started or are hoping to start a career in trade with the skills needed.”

Although Egypt by no means lacks a broad base of university graduates, the rate of structural unemployment is staggering especially among new entrants to the labor force. “The Trade Certification program is specially tailored to the needs of the Egyptian private sector by preparing recent graduates for success in a globalized economy,” continued Mohanna. Though the numbers of graduates this year was modest, it was only the first year and TRAC intend to expand the program and encourage other young professionals to take this course.

“The Trade Marketing Certification Program is one example through which the USAID attempts to match the qualifications in the work force to the skills that are in high demand in today’s job market,” noted USAID Deputy Mission Director John Groarke while addressing the students. “This program helps young university graduates acquire skills that are much needed in today’s globalizing world and that are especially in demand since the Egyptian Government shows strong commitment to honor its WTO obligations to liberalize trade.”

In attendance at the ceremony were professors from the program, students’ families and AmCham staff. The second group of students has recently began the Trade Certification Program and should finish up by the end of the year.