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In a landmark move to enhance trade education and logistics training, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with APEC 鈥� Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, Belgium. This partnership aims to foster academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and research in international trade, supply chain management, and port operations. The MoU seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry by facilitating faculty and student exchanges, joint research on port management and global logistics, and specialized training programs. Additionally, it will enable knowledge sharing in e-governance, digital trade, and emerging business technologies, ensuring that students and professionals are equipped with cutting-edge industry insights. Strengthening India-Belgium Trade Ties Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, highlighted the significance of global partnerships in enhancing India鈥檚 trade competitiveness. He stated, 鈥淭his MoU will empower future business leaders with world-class training and insights into global trade practices, further strengthening India鈥檚 trade ties with Belgium.鈥� His Excellency Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Flemish Government, commended the initiative, underscoring Antwerp鈥檚 strategic role as a gateway to Europe. He emphasized the shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and economic cooperation between India and Belgium. Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal expressed optimism about the MoU鈥檚 potential to enhance India鈥檚 global competitiveness in trade logistics through IIFT鈥檚 collaborative efforts with APEC. Industry Collaboration and Capacity Building The MoU signing ceremony witnessed the presence of top dignitaries from both India and Belgium, including: Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Flemish Government Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO, Port of Antwerp-Bruges Dirk De Fauw, President, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International Representing IIFT, Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor, reaffirmed the institute鈥檚 commitment to providing students with hands-on exposure to international trade operations. He stated, 鈥淭his collaboration will enhance practical learning, create avenues for joint research, and strengthen faculty-industry interactions.鈥� Building on a Strong Foundation This partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between IIFT and the Port of Antwerp, which dates back to 2019. Over 200 IIFT students have previously visited the port for immersive training, gaining insights into supply chain efficiencies, customs regulations, and global trade practices. With the MoU now in place, both institutions have pledged to implement its objectives and develop a robust framework for academic and industry collaborations in international trade. Industry and Market Outlook With global trade dynamics evolving rapidly, collaborations like this strengthen India鈥檚 trade education ecosystem and prepare future professionals for the complexities of supply chain management and logistics. As India continues to emerge as a key player in global trade, partnerships with institutions like APEC will bolster capacity building, drive innovation, and enhance India鈥檚 competitiveness in international markets.