Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders’ Association (SLFFA) initiated the setting up of the Academy for International Trade and Transport (AITT) in December 2006, with the support of the transport division of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and have set its course in professional capacity building (PCB) in this industry that contributes in a major way towards the national economy.
The primary intent of the PCB Programme of AITT is to provide acomprehensive curriculum of international trade and transport training that is readily accessible to the transportation and trading community. The PCB Programme provides one-stop access to training,educational, and technical resources that can promote successful deployment of trained young Sri Lankans to fill the gaps in the local and the overseas markets.
Successful deployment, operation, and management of Intelligent Transportation/Trade Systems (ITTS) require a new breed of transportation/ trade professionals. AITT is in the process of gradually expanding its scope to all aspects of training and facilitation in order to help individuals and agencies meet the challenges of advanced technologies in transportation/trade.
If Sri Lanka is to advance in its competitive position in the field of shipping and logistics, it cannot just be done by building ports, airports, roads and railways. It is important that a well balanced, practical and a knowledgeable work force can deliver more effectively and efficiently to an industry.
AITT has also partnered with the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) the premier institution in training our diplomatic community in international relations. AITT together with BCIS is also planning to set up the first library in Sri Lanka dedicated for international trade and transport.
As its first two courses, AITT launched a certificate course with BCISon Multimodal Transport, Supply Chainand Professional Freight Forwardingwhich started in July 2007. The second module on Customs Procedures & Border Protection was also conducted in 2007. The next module on Port Operations is due to commence soon.
The AITT now offers two parallel courses: The Diploma in International Trade and Transport with the support of UNESCAP and another Diploma course incorporating the FIATA (Federation of International Freight Forwarders’ Association) Diploma guidelines, which we commenced in October 2007.
Within the third year of operation AITT hopes to link its courses to university degree programmes for students who wish to continue their higher studies to enhance their skills with academic capacity building (ACB).