RIFKA ZIYARD
COLOMBO : On International Women’s Day, Colombo Times spoke to Leonie Ferretter who is an expert in Trade and Customs a field not often selected by a woman in this part of the world. Leonie Ferretter is based in Australia and has approximately 30 years of experience in international trade advisory roles, including customs, excise, logistics and project management. She is currently the Partner, ASPAC Regional Leader, Trade & Customs, KPMG Australia.
Leonie has provided extensive advice on international trade, free trade agreements, customs duty management and duty saving methodologies to a wide range of government agencies, industries and clients in Australia and across the Asia Pacific region. Prior to joining KPMG, Leonie was the operations and project manager for a customs brokerage and freight forwarder. Leonie has a Master of Business Law (International Trade), Advanced Diploma of Australian & International Trade Facilitation and several management qualifications. She is a Fellow of the Customs Brokers & Forwarders Council of Australia, a member of the Freight & Trade Alliance and Affiliate Member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand
Although she is based in Australia her vast experience in the field of Trade and Customs Law and her journey thus far would be inspirational to many young women who want to explore new fields/industries but are discouraged due to social perceptions. Leonie’s journey evinces the challenges women face are universal.
Leonie speaks passionately on her area of expertise “International trade is one of the most rewarding careers you can embark on. It is not just about moving cargo around the world, it is about connecting us all, making sure we are all part of one global economy that benefits us all. The world of international trade has many facets – laws, regulation, supply chains, bi-lateral and multi-lateral trade agreements – it is a complex environment that ultimately makes the globe smaller and brings the best we have to offer to each other”.
She further added “in case if one is keen in this field my advice is to study all aspects of international trade, find your passion and excel in what you do”.
Leonie shared her views on the key issue/s facing women today “Poverty and limited, or lack of, access to education remains a key issue for women across the globe – this is true even in the most developed of countries. Whilst our global supply chains bring our best to each other, there is also an element of our supply chains that need to be brought into line with 21st century expectations. These expectations include providing fair reward to those undertaking the work and investing back in those people (very often women) to bring them education and proper remuneration so they can break the chain of poverty. Many countries have modern slavery legislation to try to overcome the disadvantage so many have, but in my mind the change is not happening fast enough, and we all have a role to play to help women across the world achieve a better life”.
On International Women’s Day, Leonie shares a vital message to young women who are at different stages of their career “Our young women should be proud of who they are. It is not necessary to ‘act like a man’ to have a successful career. Organizations around the world are starting to recognize the value women bring to senior roles and boards. We, as women, bring a diversity of thinking and life experiences that allows us to provide our clients with other angles and outcomes to their problems. We represent half of the population of this world as consumers and so it is critical, we have equal input to all aspects – government, the legal systems, education, work and family”.
She emphasizes, “As young women embark on and grow their careers, they should remain proud to be women, ensure their voices are heard and be brave and strong in the knowledge that they play a pivotal and critical role in ensuring the success of all businesses”.
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Interview compiled by Rifka Ziyard MBA, FCMA, CGMA, FTII, B Com
Rifka is the Director – Tax and Regulatory at KPMG in Sri Lanka
