FCCISL, SLFFA to develop capacity building programs

The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders' Association (SLFFA) recently.

President FCCISL Tissa Jayaweera and Chairman SLFFA Tony De Livera exchanging the MoU. Secretary General FCCISL Dr. Thusitha Tennakoon, CEO AITT Peter Barbut and staff of FCCISL were also present.

The collaboration between FCCISL and the Academy for International Trade & Transport (AITT - the training arm of SLFFA) is to develop and promote professional capacity building programs, develop knowledge and industry skills to increase effectiveness in job performance and productivity in the transport, logistics and supply chain sectors islandwide and conduct the training programs through the FCCISL training centre network.

Education and training is a vital component in addressing socio-economic development issues faced in developing countries. FCCISL with an impressive track record in this field for over 14 years is committed to workforce development with special emphasis on the SMEs at regional levels.

With FCCISL's regional network and close interaction with State sector establishments, the FCCISL training centre network will build upon work already done by the FCCISL - Chamber partnership, in expanding its scope, and will also create important linkages between public and private industries. FCCISL with wide experience in education and training since 1993, continues to be a leading private sector training provider.

SLFFA was established in 1981 in association with the International Federation of Freight Forwarding Associations (FIATA) Switzerland with the objective of bringing all freight forwarders under one umbrella to institutionalise and professionalise the trade. It is recognised as the apex body representing the industry.

AITT develops and revises the curriculum. All training programs will to be coupled with in-plant training sessions and field visits to enhance the practical exposure of participants. The industrial acceptances of the training courses and trained students is AITT's responsibility.

Vertically and horizontally diversified training portfolios such as Multimodal Transport and Logistics, Trade and Transport, International Freight Forwarding, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Port Management and Operations, Custom Practices, Border Protection and Export/Import Operations, Warehouse Management and Contract Logistics will enable newcomers to become professionals in the Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain sectors.