For more than a decade, WITA’s Intensive Trade Seminar (ITS) has educated government officials, the private sector and the public to better navigate the Washington and international trade policy landscape.
Building on this successful model, the WITA Academy expanded the ITS around the world. The International Intensive Trade Seminars build capacity in trade policy for government officials, the private sector and the public to better navigate the Washington and international trade policy landscape.
The curriculum for the International ITS can be tailored to address the needs and priorities of individuals, governments, and firms from around the world. In the U.S., the Intensive Trade Seminar series expanded to Capitol Hill to better educate the Congressional staff on current trade issues. Through the Academy, WITA brings the ITS to communities across the United States to help foster participation in international trade.
Recent Events
International Intensive Trade Seminar (ITS): Africa Leaders Summit and AGOA Ministerial
2023 WITA European Union Virtual Intensive Trade Seminar
FDA Boot Camp: New Cosmetics Regulations and the Latest on Food, Drugs and Medical Devices
AI and Trade Virtual Intensive Trade Seminar
2023 WITA Academy Virtual Intensive Trade Seminar
Topics covered
Trade Responsibilities in the Executive Branch and the Interagency Process
Trade policy in the Executive Branch including “White House” agencies (e.g. USTR and NSC/NEC)
Role of the Department of State
Other Departments and Agencies with Trade Policy Roles
Departments of Commerce, Treasury, Labor, Agriculture, FDA, USITC, Customs, etc.
Trade Finance and Investment
USAID, ExIm Bank, OPIC, TDA, etc.
Navigating Congress
Role of the United States Congress in trade legislation and oversight; working with Congress to advance shared priorities
Role of the U.S. Congress and Government Agencies
The Congressional Role in Trade Policymaking
Trade Responsibilities in the Executive Branch and the Interagency Process
International Trade Administration and the Department of Commerce
U.S. International Trade Commission – Investigations and Analysis
U.S. and Global Trade Policy Update
WTO Agenda
U.S. Engagement in AsiaInclusive Trade & Development
Inclusive Trade & Development
FTAs, Executive Agreements and U.S. Trade Policy
FDA-related policies
Overview of FDA updates and regulations for Food, Drugs, and Medical Devices
Cosmetics requirements due to the Modernization of Cosmetic Regulations Act of 2022
Cosmetics labeling, adverse events, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) regulations
Timelines for implementation
Best practices for personal and business compliance to FDA guidelines
Trade Law, Enforcement, and Dispute Settlement
AD/CVD/Safeguards
USTR Role in Monitoring and Enforcement
USMCA and the Rapid Response Mechanism
Investment, Sanctions, and International Tax
Investment Controls
Export Controls and Sanctions
International Tax and Trade
European Governance
Key EU Institutions and Structures
European Commission Deep Dive
Reaching Trade Agreements in the EU System
EU Decision Making Process
EU Decision Making Process: Overview
Opportunities for Stakeholders to Provide Input into the EU Decision-making Process
Sectoral Case Studies: Agriculture and Digital Trade Policy & Regulation
EU Trade Policy
Enforcement
Security and Investment Screening
Key External Trade Issues and Initiatives
Policy Considerations for Trade Professionals
Generative Artificial Intelligence and Artificial General Intelligence
Practical Applications of AI in Business and Trade