Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers signs agreement to increase access to professional education resources in China
Co-operation programme will promote professional standards by making Institute learning materials available in Chinese for the first time
London and Shanghai, April 4, 2017. The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (The Institute) has signed a strategic agreement with China’s Ministry of Transport & Shanghai International Shipping Center to expand the delivery of its professional education services.
It promotes co-operation between The Institute and the Ministry of Transport which is designed to improve professional standards for shipping personnel in China and increase opportunities for international exchange in educational excellence.
The Institute will be responsible for developing curriculum content and implementing the programme using experience gained from its work in other developing maritime economies. The Ministry will translate the teaching materials and promote the courses to universities, vocational colleges and the wider shipping community.
Director of The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Julie Lithgow said:
“One of our core aims at The Institute is to increase access globally to our qualifications and promote professionalism, especially in key shipping regions. China has been a developing region for us for more than a decade, from the establishment of a Teaching Centre in 2005 to the launch the International Shipping Professionalism Development Programme in 2016. We look forward to welcoming more Chinese students and shipping professionals to a network that stands for lifelong learning, knowledge and integrity.”
The agreement was signed in China during a trade delegation visit organised by Maritime UK and attended by United Kingdom Trade Minister Mark Garnier MP, building on The Institute’s growing footprint in Asian shipping markets.
Mark Garnier MP, said:
“This historic agreement combines two sectors where the UK is an acknowledged world leader; education and maritime services and demonstrates the strengths of UK business in forging new partnerships in high-growth economies. China is a major engine for maritime trade and I’m pleased The Institute has been selected as a key partner to support China’s growing demand for professional education and standards.”
In addition to organising Institute Tutorship courses and training for China’s shipping community, the Institute’s teaching centre in China has arranged Institute Examinations in Shanghai Maritime University every year since 2007. Seminars and networking events are regularly held for Members and candidates, attracting strong attendance from across the local shipping industry.
Ends
Picture Caption: Julie Lithgow, Director of ICS and Ms. Lei Xiao Fang, Director of Jiaotong International Cooperation Service Center sign the agreement on behalf of both parties. Standing behind are Mr Zhu Chuan Sheng, Vice Director of Professional Qualification Authority, Mr Xu Guo Yi, Deputy Head of Shanghai Composite Port Management Committee, Mark Garnier MP and Doug Barrow, Chief Executive of Maritime London.
Notes to Editors
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (The Institute) was established in 1911 and received Royal Charter in 1920. It is the only internationally recognised professional educational body in the maritime arena and represents shipbrokers, ship managers and agents worldwide. ICS is based in the heart of the City of London and has 25 branches in key shipping locations worldwide with 4,000 individual and 120 company members. ICS membership represents a commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards across the shipping industry.
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