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China's 1st shipping development academy founded
By Zhu Chengpei and Zhang Xiaomin (Chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-06-10 10:41

Dalian: The Shipping Development Academy was officially founded in Dalian Maritime University June 6th in the coastal city of Northeast China’s Liaoning province. As China’s first shipping development academy, its establishment reflects the country’s shipping research course enters a new period.

Wang Zuwen, president of Dalian Maritime University, delivered a speech at the founding ceremony.

“China’s shipping industry has been growing fast. But it is still far behind the speed of America or Britain. The academy will help to upgrade China’s soft strength in the shipping industry, and thus narrow the gap,” Wang said.

According to Wang, the academy will dedicate to cultivating talents and supporting decision-making for government institutions as well as shipping companies.

Chairman of China Communications and Transportation Association Qian Yongchang is titled as the Honorary Dean of the academy. He is also a graduate from Dalian Maritime University.

“The world shipping center is moving to the Asia. To grasp the opportunity, we should enhance our soft strength in the areas like laws and regulations, service systems, educations and research,” said Qian.

China is one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Among the top 20 ports in throughput, 14 are located in China.