Sailing on a smooth route

A total of 222 students from eight countries including Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon have enrolled in the program since its inception. SMU, which is mainly in charge of teaching responsibilities, has sent 18 teachers who specialize in logistics and shipping to Ghana.

According to Ge Yingen, dean of college of transport and communications at SMU, the program has become part of Belt and Road Initiative efforts to encourage enterprises and institutions to participate in projects related to infrastructure construction, transportation, communications and electric power in African nations.

"The program aims to train senior professionals in the Central and West African region in terms of shipping and logistics," says Ge.

"We hope further trade and business exchanges, as well as the greater development of China-Africa relations, will be reinforced through the program."

During his speech at the inauguration of the program in 2011, Michael Luguje, the then representative of International Maritime Organization, stressed that the cooperation will "facilitate healthy and efficient development of logistics industry globally".

Students enrolled in Africa spend the first two and final years studying at RMU, while the third year is spent at SMU. The graduation is done at RMU jointly with SMU.

During the stint in Shanghai, multiple activities are offered to students as well, such as visits to the China Maritime Museum and the Yangshan Deep Water Port. SMU has also cooperated with logistics enterprises to set up a local logistics internship base to help African students search for jobs in China.