Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Brianna Solorzano and Aaron Escobar
Published: July 13, 2026
Length: ~28 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary

Technology is changing international trade, but the best tools do more than automate tasks—they solve real problems for the people doing the work.

In this tech-focused episode of the Simply Trade Podcast, host Lalo Solorzano introduces GTC Labs, Global Training Center’s incubator for developing practical technology solutions for the international trade community. Drawing on more than 35 years of training experience and direct feedback from trade professionals, the team is exploring where existing software falls short and how focused tools can help.

Software engineers Brianna Solorzano and Aaron Escobar join the conversation to discuss two early GTC Labs initiatives. The first is RAIZ, a cloud-based USMCA platform designed to support supplier solicitations, product qualification, certificate fulfillment, and audit documentation. The second explores AI agents that can monitor trade developments, process information from official sources, and deliver more relevant insights to trade professionals.

The conversation also addresses an important concern: technology should support people, not simply replace them. From deterministic qualification logic to thoughtfully applied AI, the episode offers a practical look at building technology around real trade workflows.

Main Topic / Discussion

This episode introduces GTC Labs and its mission to create practical, accessible technology for international trade professionals.

The discussion focuses on RAIZ, a USMCA management platform being developed to simplify supplier documentation, product qualification, certificate generation, and audit readiness. The team also explores how AI agents could help trade professionals monitor official announcements, identify relevant developments, summarize lengthy documents, and improve situational awareness.

A central theme throughout the episode is responsible technology design. The team explains that AI is not appropriate for every task. For example, RAIZ uses programmed human logic—not AI—to determine USMCA qualification results, while future AI features may help users better understand their data and qualification outcomes.

Building RAIZ Around Real USMCA Workflows

RAIZ was designed around four recurring challenges identified through Global Training Center’s work with trade professionals:

• Soliciting supporting documentation from suppliers
• Applying product-specific rules and qualification requirements
• Fulfilling certificate of origin requests from customers
• Maintaining a complete and defensible audit trail

Using AI as a Trade Professional’s Sidekick

The GTC Labs team is also developing agent-based workflows that could:

• Monitor official trade sources and industry developments
• Process lengthy announcements, articles, and regulatory documents
• Filter information according to a company’s industry and priorities
• Produce targeted briefings, insights, and meeting talking points

Key Takeaways

• Technology should be designed around real trade workflows rather than trying to solve every problem with one platform.
• RAIZ brings supplier solicitation, USMCA qualification, certificate fulfillment, and audit support into one connected system.
• Automation can give trade professionals more time for analysis, education, risk management, and higher-value work.
• AI should be applied selectively; RAIZ uses programmed human logic for qualification decisions instead of relying on AI.
• Trade-focused AI agents could help professionals monitor official sources and understand how new developments affect their businesses.
• Training and technology are most effective when they work together inside the user’s day-to-day process.

Resources & Mentions

• RAIZ: Simplify USMCA Qualification Without the Guesswork
• Global Training Center USMCA Training
• Office of the United States Trade Representative
• Bureau of Industry and Security
• Obsidian

Credits

Host:
Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):
Brianna Solorzano
Aaron Escobar

Producer:
Mara Marquez

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