ICS, China, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers
Julie Lithgow, Director of ICS and Ms. Lei Xiao Fang, Director of Jiaotong International Cooperation Service Center. 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. (Source: ICS)
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The prestigious Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) has signed a strategic agreement with the Chinese government for further cooperation in shipping education.

The agreement with China‘s Ministry of Transport the Shanghai International Shipping Center is aimed to expand the[ds_preview] delivery of ICS‘s professional education services. It promotes co-operation and is »designed to improve professional standards for shipping personnel in China and increase opportunities for international exchange in educational excellence«, the ICS announced.

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers was established in 1911 and received Royal Charter in 1920. It describes itself is the only internationally recognised professional educational body in the maritime arena and represents shipbrokers, ship managers and agents worldwide. A lot of shipbrokers in the industry have an »Member of the ICS« mark on their business card.

»This historic agreement combines two sectors where the UK is an acknowledged world leader«

UK Trade Minister Mark Garnier

Under the agreement, the ICS will be responsible for developing curriculum content and implementing the programme using experience gained from its work in other developing maritime economies. The Chinese 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 contract was signed in China during a trade delegation visit attended by United Kingdom Trade Minister Mark Garnier. He 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.«