IIFT Strengthens Global Trade Education through MoU with APEC Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center.
New Delhi:
In a significant step to enhance trade education and international collaboration, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, Belgium. The partnership seeks to boost academic cooperation in the fields of international trade, logistics, and supply chain management.
The MoU outlines several key initiatives, including joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and specialized training programs. These initiatives will foster deeper understanding and skills in critical areas such as port management, digital trade, e-governance, and emerging business technologies. By enhancing cross-cultural learning, the collaboration aims to build a stronger foundation for global trade practices.
Jitin Prasada, the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, emphasized the growing importance of international partnerships in India’s trade development. “This MoU marks a milestone in our trade relations with Belgium and ensures that our future business leaders are equipped with world-class training and insights into global trade practices,” said Prasada. He highlighted the longstanding trade ties between India and Belgium, noting that this collaboration would further strengthen these bonds.
Dignitaries from Belgium also spoke highly of the initiative. His Excellency Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Flemish Government, underscored Antwerp’s strategic position as a key gateway to Europe, facilitating international trade. He expressed optimism about the positive impact of this collaboration on trade education and policy development.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal welcomed the MoU and reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing its competitiveness in international trade logistics through such partnerships.
The MoU signing ceremony was followed by a roundtable discussion with the Minister-President of Belgium and IIFT alumni who had previously visited Flanders, sharing their valuable experiences from the program.
The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Jitin Prasada, Ajay Bhadoo (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry), and representatives from the Belgian delegation, such as Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International.
From IIFT, the event was graced by Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of IIFT, who stressed the importance of this collaboration in providing students with practical exposure to global trade and logistics operations. He highlighted how the partnership would create ample opportunities for research, training programs, and faculty exchanges.
Kristof Waterschoot of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International further emphasized the longstanding relationship between the two institutions, which began in 2019 when 206 IIFT students visited the port for firsthand learning experiences. This MoU is expected to deepen that partnership, solidifying efforts in capacity building and knowledge-sharing in trade facilitation.
The collaboration marks a new chapter in strengthening ties between IIFT and the Port of Antwerp, paving the way for the development of a robust framework for academic and industry collaborations in international trade.
About IIFT: Established in 1963, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is one of India’s leading institutions focused on foreign trade education and research. It has earned a reputation as a center of excellence in international business education and training.
About APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center: APEC is a prestigious training institute affiliated with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, offering specialized programs in port management, logistics, and trade facilitation, and contributing significantly to global capacity-building in the maritime sector.
