New Delhi, Mar 4 (KNN) The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, Belgium, marking a significant milestone in academic collaboration and knowledge exchange in the fields of international trade, logistics, and supply chain management.
The MoU is aimed at strengthening trade education and training ties between India and Belgium by facilitating faculty and student exchanges for cross-cultural business learning.
It encompasses joint research on port management, global logistics, and trade facilitation, alongside specialized training programs, workshops, and industry interactions.
Additionally, the collaboration is expected to enhance knowledge transfer in key areas such as e-governance, digital trade, and emerging business technologies.
Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Jitin Prasada, emphasised the importance of international partnerships in strengthening India’s trade ecosystem.
He highlighted India and Belgium’s longstanding trade relationship and noted that the MoU would further enhance cooperation, equipping future business leaders with world-class training and insights into global trade practices.
Dignitaries from Belgium welcomed the initiative, recognising its role in strengthening global trade networks. His Excellency Matthias Diependaele acknowledged India’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and international partnerships.
He also underscored Antwerp’s strategic location as a crucial gateway to Europe, facilitating trade and economic connectivity on a global scale. Belgian officials expressed optimism about the positive impact of this collaboration on trade education and policy development.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal expressed his satisfaction over the MoU signing and reaffirmed India’s commitment to becoming globally competitive in international trade logistics. He highlighted IIFT’s new initiative in collaborative research and training with APEC as a significant step in this direction.
Following the signing of the MoU, a roundtable discussion was held between the Minister-President of Belgium and IIFT alumni who had previously visited Flanders.
The alumni shared their experiences and key takeaways from the program, reflecting on the benefits of exposure to international trade practices.
Representing IIFT, the event was attended by Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor, IIFT, along with senior faculty members and distinguished alumni who have previously benefited from exposure to the Port of Antwerp.
Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi underscored the importance of this partnership in providing IIFT students with practical exposure to global trade and logistics operations.
He stated that the collaboration would enhance students’ understanding of port operations and global supply chain mechanisms while fostering opportunities for joint research, training programs, and faculty exchanges.
He reaffirmed IIFT’s commitment to offering world-class education with practical insights into international trade and logistics.
Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Port of Antwerp and IIFT. He stated that the MoU would further solidify efforts in capacity building and knowledge-sharing in trade facilitation.
This collaboration builds on the relationship between IIFT and the Port of Antwerp, which began in 2019 when 206 students from the institute visited the port for firsthand learning experiences. As an integral part of IIFT’s curriculum, these port visits have enriched students’ understanding of supply chain efficiencies, customs regulations, and global trade operations.
The event concluded with a commitment from both institutions to implement the objectives outlined in the MoU and work towards establishing a robust framework for academic and industry collaborations in international trade.
Established in 1963 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has attained Deemed University status and is one of India’s premier business institutions specializing in foreign trade.
It is widely recognised as an academic center of excellence in international business research, training, and education.
APEC is a leading training institute affiliated with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. It provides specialised programs in port management, trade facilitation, and logistics, contributing to global capacity building in the maritime and trade sectors.
(KNN Bureau)
