The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has partnered with a Belgian training institute to provide training in logistics, port management and supply chain. The New Delhi based college has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, Belgium, marking a significant step towards enhancing academic collaboration and knowledge exchange in the academic of international trade, logistics, and supply chain management.
The MoU was signed in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry; Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry – Ajay Bhadoo; the Belgian delegation – His Excellency Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister of Economy, Innovation, and 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 and Mr. Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International.
Underscoring the importance of this partnership, the minister said, “India and Belgium have shared strong trade ties for decades. This MoU will further build on our cooperation, ensuring that our future business leaders are equipped with world-class training and insights into global trade practices.”
Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor, IIFT, along with other faculty members and alumni who have previously benefited from exposure to the Port of Antwerp, aims to implement this MoU via the student-exchange programs. Prof. Joshi expressed, “This collaboration will not only enhance our students’ understanding of port operations and global supply chain mechanisms but also create opportunities for joint research, training programs, and faculty exchanges.”
Mr. Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Port of Antwerp and IIFT, stating, “This MoU will further solidify our efforts in capacity building and knowledge-sharing in trade facilitation.”
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Began in 2019 with 206 students, Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center is a training institute affiliated with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, providing specialized programs in port management, trade facilitation, and logistics.
