At the 52nd Foundation Day of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, scholars and experts discussed about the challenges faced by the world economies and how institutions like IIFT can prepare professionals for the crisis
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade commemorated its 52nd Foundation day at its Delhi campus. Professor Bibek Debroy, member, NITI Aayog, was the chief guest. Surajit Mitra, director, IIFT, presided over the function. The programme started with lighting of auspicious lamp by the dignitaries. Mitra, in his welcome address, gave a brief account of IIFT’s journey from a modest institution for foreign trade facilitation to a centre of excellence and one of the top B-schools in the country. The institute is also rated as an A-grade deemed university by NAAC.
He paid rich tributes to all former and present faculty, employees and alumni of IIFT for making it one of the most sought after institutes in the areas of research, training and capacity building in international trade and finance. He also emphasised that while professionalising the country’s trade and business remains the core objective of IIFT, it is also equally concerned about its social responsibilities. The institute produces professionals, who not only excel in their domains but also imbibe the cherished values of democracy, national integrity and humanitarianism. In his key note address ‘IIFT: From now to where’, Debroy dwelt at length on the challenges facing the Indian and world economies and IIFT’s role in the changing global business environment.
While complimenting IIFT for being a repository of knowledge in international trade and finance, Debroy advised IIFT to play a substantially larger role in shaping trade policies and act as a think tank to all stakeholders.