BRAC Business School of BRAC University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) at TCB Bhaban in Kawran Bazar, Dhaka on 31 October, 2021 for launching a postgraduate diploma in international trade and business. BRAC University and the BFTI will jointly conduct the postgraduate diploma courses with the view to enhance the scopes for professional development in the area of international trade.
The initiative was developed under the leadership of Professor Sang Hoon Lee, Dean of BRAC Business School, and Mr. Md. Obaidul Azam, Director of the BFTI. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, also Chairman of the BFTI, was present at the event as the chief guest of the ceremony. Ms. Tamara Hasan Abed, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of BRAC University, took part in the ceremony as a guest of honour and Mr. Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce, attended the ceremony as a special guest. Dr. Md. Jafar Uddin, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the BFTI, and Professor Vincent Chang, Vice Chancellor of BRAC University, signed the contract on behalf of their respective institutions.
In his welcoming speech, Dr. Md. Jafar Uddin shared the story behind BRAC University being chosen for this particular agenda. He stated that BRAC University was chosen for its quality of excellence, diligence and outstanding managerial skills. He believes that this collaborative academic diploma with BRAC University will open a path for entrepreneurs, policymakers and university graduates to receive cutting edge education and real-life problem-solving skills in the field of international trade and business.
Professor Vincent Chang envisioned this initiative as a “win-win-win” situation -- a win for the government, a win for the university and a win for the industry.
Ms. Tamara Abed was delighted to share that the proposed initiative would provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for the professionals interested in the field to grasp the practical aspects and implications of international trade.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi appreciated this collaborative initiative of the BFTI and BRAC University for having the potential to contribute to the socio-economic progress of Bangladesh under the spirited leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and as envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He urged BRAC University and the BFTI to meet upcoming trade related challenges through this academic collaboration as well as fulfill the demand of skilled professionals to be engaged in the trade sector during and after Bangladesh makes the country status graduation from a least developed country (LDC) to a developing one.