Flanders Port Training Center to Train Professionals in Chinese Maritime World

Flanders Port Training Center, the training subsidiary of Antwerp Port Authority, has signed an agreement in Chongqing (China) to train professionals in the Chinese maritime world. The agreement was made with Chongqing International Freight Forwarders Association (CQIFA) and runs for a period of five years.

“This agreement once more demonstrates the value that the international shipping world attaches to the unmatched experience and know-how that we have available within the Antwerp port community,” declared Port Authority chairman Marc Van Peel. “Over the past 30 years our subsidiary APEC has gained an outstanding reputation for its tailor-made courses aimed at port professionals. The port community reaps the benefits of this every day,” he concluded.

Every year APEC organises seminars for 600 or so maritime professionals from 65 countries around the world. Since 1980 it has already trained 2,800 Chinese specialists, many of whom now occupy senior positions in their company or organisation. In addition APEC organises exclusive seminars for Chinese groups each year. In 2011 there are four seminars scheduled for China.

APEC has long had collaboration agreements with various Chinese partners including Dalian Maritime University. During the trade mission to China in June 2010, Memoranda of Understanding were signed with the Ministry of Transport, Dalian Port Corporation, Guangzhou Port Authority and Shanghai International Shipping Institute.

Since 2004 APEC has been recognised by the Chinese State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA) as a qualified overseas training institution for Chinese delegations. Indeed. APEC is the only European training institute to obtain such recognition from SAFEA.

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Source: Antwerp Port Authority, November 1, 2011