Kolkata: The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) and Singapore Management University ( SMU) have signed an MoU to collaborate on conducting training programs and research relating to international trade and business from an Asian perspective.
Under the partnership, the two institutions will jointly design and launch management development programs as well as offer postgraduate certificate programs in areas related to international trade, business and management.
Both parties also agreed to conduct joint research, case writing in the area of international trade and business, especially related to the Asian region. The MoU also covers student exchanges between the two institutions.
"With the shift in growth and centre of economic gravity towards emerging economies in Asia, it is becoming increasingly important for international trade professionals to be trained both inside and outside India to take full advantage of India's business opportunities. That Singapore is a trading and logistics hub, as well as a major financial centre in the region makes the SMU-IIFT or Singapore-Delhi educational axis a good mechanism for fostering both education and trade," said Professor Srivastava, SMU's provost and deputy president (academic affairs) in a statement.
IIFT director K. T. Chacko said, "The joining of hands between Singapore Management University and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, India would go a long way in enriching the research and collaborative educational programmes. SMU's academic strength and in depth understanding of South East Asia and IIFT's core strength in International Business will prove a win-win situation for both."
