The Feed the Future Bangladesh Trade Activity has signed MoUs with several leading universities to implement the Integrated Supply Chain Management course.
The signing ceremony took place in Dhaka in the presence of the Mission Director of USAID Bangladesh.
The universities partnering in this initiative included the East West University of Dhaka; Asian University for Women, Chittagong International University, University of Creative Technology, Premier University, University of Science and Technology, of Chattogram; and the Northern University of Business & Technology of Khulna.
These MoUs mark a significant step towards enhancing the capacity of the trade logistics sector in Bangladesh through advanced education.
The ISCM course, provided by the Trade Activity, encompasses essential supply chain management topics and provides students and professionals in the logistics sector with an in-depth understanding of supply chain dynamics and optimization strategies.
This knowledge is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of logistics operations in Bangladesh.
"This is an exciting new development for students who can now enroll in these supply chain courses, build their skills, and contribute to Bangladesh’s burgeoning freight and logistics sector,” said Reed Aeschliman, Mission Director of USAID Bangladesh.
"We look forward to working together with universities and the private sector to create greater opportunities for all Bangladeshis, particularly youth, to achieve a brighter and more prosperous future,” he said.
Kabir Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association said, “The supply chain and logistics industry is the backbone of Bangladesh's economy, and infrastructural and digital expansion is constantly ongoing to keep up with the rest of the world in this age of globalization. To meet the needs of this expansion, we must prepare the youth for succession by imbibing them with the necessary knowledge to take on careers in the industry and to eventually take Bangladesh to the next level.”
Following the signing ceremony, a roundtable discussion on encouraging the promotion of education related to supply chain and logistics to support the industry's growth and the job opportunities for the youth in the expanding logistics sector, brought together representatives from BAFFA, the Bangladesh Shipping Agents’ Association, the Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association, and the universities.
In the closing remarks, Chris Meservy, Private Enterprise Officer of USAID Bangladesh, stated the ISCM course represents a strategic investment in the future of Bangladesh's logistics sector. By equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the industry, the program aims to drive sustainable growth, foster a dynamic, inclusive workforce, and unlock the full potential of the logistics sector in Bangladesh.
The Feed the Future Bangladesh Trade Activity supports the Government of Bangladesh to bolster economic growth and food security by improving trade facilitation, enhancing market access, and improving the business enabling market.
The Feed the Future Bangladesh Trade Activity provides technical assistance, training, institutional strengthening, and other direct support to the Government of Bangladesh and non-governmental partners. It also promotes greater collaboration among the government, private sector, and civil society organizations.