The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, Belgium, to foster academic collaboration and enhance knowledge exchange in international trade, logistics, and supply chain management.

The MoU is set to reinforce trade education and training ties between India and Belgium. It facilitates faculty and student exchanges, providing opportunities for cross-cultural business learning. Additionally, it encompasses joint research on port management, global logistics, and trade facilitation. Specialized training programs, workshops, and industry interactions will also be organized under this agreement. The collaboration further aims to advance knowledge transfer in key areas, including e-governance, digital trade, and emerging business technologies.

During the event, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, emphasized the significance of international partnerships in strengthening India’s trade ecosystem. He noted that India and Belgium have maintained strong trade ties for decades, and this MoU will further solidify cooperation by providing future business leaders with world-class training and insights into global trade practices.

Dignitaries from Belgium acknowledged the initiative’s importance in fortifying global trade networks. His Excellency Matthias Diependaele praised India’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and international partnerships. He highlighted Antwerp’s strategic position as a crucial gateway to Europe, facilitating trade and economic connectivity worldwide. The Belgian delegation expressed optimism about the positive influence of this partnership on trade education and policy development.

Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal also welcomed the MoU, reaffirming India’s commitment to enhancing global competitiveness in international trade logistics through collaborative research and training with APEC.

Following the MoU signing, a roundtable discussion was conducted between the Minister-President of Belgium and IIFT alumni who had previously visited Flanders. They shared their experiences and key takeaways from their educational exposure to the region.

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including:

• Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry
• Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• His Excellency Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister of Economy, Innovation, Industry, Foreign Affairs, Digitalisation, and Facility Management
• Mr. Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges
• Mr. Dirk De Fauw, President of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International
• Mr. Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International
• Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor, IIFT, along with senior faculty members and distinguished alumni

Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi highlighted the importance of this collaboration in offering IIFT students hands-on exposure to global trade and logistics operations. He emphasized that the partnership would provide valuable insights into port operations, supply chain mechanisms, and global trade dynamics while fostering opportunities for joint research, training programs, and faculty exchanges.

Mr. Kristof Waterschoot reiterated the longstanding relationship between the Port of Antwerp and IIFT, emphasizing that the MoU would further strengthen knowledge-sharing efforts and capacity building in trade facilitation.

Since 2019, IIFT has incorporated port visits as part of its curriculum, with 206 students visiting the Port of Antwerp for firsthand learning experiences. These visits have significantly enhanced their understanding of supply chain efficiencies, customs regulations, and international trade operations.

The event concluded with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to implementing the MoU’s objectives and developing a robust framework for academic and industry collaboration in international trade.

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