Greece and Canada Partner on Maritime Training
The Vancouver International Maritime Centre (VIMC) and the Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport of the University of the Aegean have signed a signed a Bilateral Agreement to develop faculty and student exchange programs as well as marine-related training initiatives between Greece and Canada. The collaboration aims to boost educational and maritime opportunities between both nations while continuing to build on Canadian-Greek relations.
The partnership was announced during an event in Athens, Greece during last week’s Posidonia 2016, where more than 250 industry professionals attended a reception co-hosted by the VIMC, the Embassy of Canada and the Hellenic Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Senior Trade Commissioner David Mallette, representing the Embassy of Canada, opened the event.
“The University of the Aegean, Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport is a well-known international academic department based on the shipping island of Chios, one of six islands in the Greek Archipelago where the University has campuses. We have more than sixteen undergraduate programs, multiple postgraduate programs and over 16,000 students,” said Professor Helen Thanopoulou, Head of Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport at the university.
“Young people are our future and strong international programs that actually cross boundaries will enhance education and training for the upcoming global leaders of tomorrow,” said Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein, Executive Director of the VIMC.
During Posidonia, the VIMC showcased the economic, business and lifestyle advantages of Vancouver, Canada, to shipping leaders looking to expand their reach to North American and Asian markets.
“Without question, Posidonia is one of the most important shipping conferences in the world and Greece is the largest ship owning nation on the planet. It is crucial that Vancouver and Canada make it known we are open for business,” said Graham Clarke, Chairman and CEO of the VIMC.