By Sitaram Mewati l Mumbai
MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and Pillai University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and provide students with practical exposure to India’s international trade ecosystem.
The MoU was signed during “Gateway to Global Trade 2026: Opening Doors to India’s Global Trade Ecosystem and International Careers”, organised at World Trade Center Mumbai to mark the launch of Pillai University’s BBA in International Business programme.
Under the partnership, World Trade Center Mumbai will serve as an Experiential Learning Partner. Students will gain practical exposure through expert interactions, internships, industry visits, workshops, research initiatives, trade forums, networking opportunities and international trade promotion activities.
Shri Amit Sharma, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Mumbai, highlighted the opportunities available to young professionals and entrepreneurs in international trade. “For ambitious young professionals and entrepreneurs, international trade opens significant opportunities and global exposure,” he said. He encouraged students to understand the roles of DGFT, Customs and RBI in India’s trade ecosystem and explore platforms such as Trade Connect and the DGFT portal. He also urged students to consider exports as an avenue for entrepreneurship and professional growth.
Dr. Daphne Pillai, Executive President, Pillai University, said the programme aims to prepare students for opportunities in an increasingly interconnected business environment. “International business is not only about doing business across countries; it is about understanding people, cultures, markets and opportunities across borders,” she said, adding that the partnership would provide students with real-world exposure through internships, workshops, industry interactions and trade forums.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, emphasised the role of young professionals in India’s growing global economic engagement. “As we move towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, our young generation will have an increasingly important role in driving entrepreneurship, exports, innovation and global business,” he said.
Kalantri stressed that industry-academia collaboration would help students understand business beyond the classroom. He said practical exposure to exports, logistics, regulations and entrepreneurship could prepare students for real-world opportunities.
Ms. Priya Pansare, Senior Director, Trade, Investment & International Relations, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, said the initiative would help develop industry-ready professionals with practical knowledge, global exposure and relevant skills.
The programme brought together students, academicians, government representatives and trade experts, offering insights into India’s foreign trade ecosystem, international business practices and emerging career opportunities. The MoU is expected to support the development of future exporters, entrepreneurs and global business professionals.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
