The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade was founded in 1935, against a backdrop of rising trade protectionism and global economic uncertainty, with a mission to advocate for the value of open trade.
Today marks the 90th anniversary of our formation, and our mission remains as relevant as ever, with tariffs, geopolitical competition and technological disruption at the forefront of today’s agenda.
To mark this milestone, we will be hosting our biggest ever conference tomorrow in central London – this year’s Import Export Show.
While the event will focus on the most pertinent issues of 2025, it will also be an opportunity for reflection on the Chartered Institute’s role over the last 90 years.
It will also provide a moment for the international trade community to gather and look ahead to the next 10 years.
Cause for optimism
Despite the current challenges, I am an eternal optimist.
When the Chartered Institute turns 100 in 2035, I am hopeful that trade will have come through its current challenges and will be viewed as being a force for good in the world once more.
Over the next decade, there are opportunities to digitalise trade processes and systems so that goods move across borders more efficiently and sustainably. This will save time for businesses and help governments oversee border flows more effectively, helping to drive overall economic growth and enhance national security.
There are opportunities to make trade more inclusive, so that more MSMEs, women and other marginalised groups can benefit from it. Doing this isn’t just about fairness, it also makes economic sense.
And there is a need for governments and businesses to learn from the current moment to ensure that their supply chains become more resilient in the face of future political shocks and the effects of climate change.
Securing international trade
In the short term, there is a need to make the argument that international trade is a solution, not a cause, for today’s challenges.
We’ve decided that the theme for tomorrow’s conference will be ‘Securing International Trade’. We’ve done so because we believe open trade is essential for future economic growth and prosperity, and that it can facilitate peace through the sharing of ideas and values across borders.
If trade’s value diminishes, the world will become a more dangerous, less secure and less prosperous place to live in.
A moment for celebration
Tomorrow’s event will tackle the challenges global trade faces and present the solutions it can provide.
It will also celebrate the businesses and individuals exemplifying its value, as we announce the winners of our annual International Trade Awards.
It promises to be a great opportunity for trading professionals and businesses to connect, discuss the challenges we will face and to gain inspiration from each other as we go about empowering global trade over the next decade.
