The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and Chittagong Independent University (CIU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce foundational training courses and strengthen industry-academia collaboration for developing a skilled workforce.
The MoU was signed on Saturday afternoon, October 17, at the Chamber’s conference hall at the World Trade Centre in Chattogram. CCCI President Mohammed Amirul Haque signed on behalf of the Chamber, while CIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr MM Nurul Absar represented the university.
Speaking at the event, Mohammed Amirul Haque said collaboration between industry and academia could play a vital role in sustainable economic development by promoting skills development, innovation and research. Aligning academic curricula and research with the practical needs of businesses would help create new economic opportunities, he added.
He noted that Chattogram’s strategic geographical location offered significant potential for the region to emerge as a regional logistics and investment hub. Realising this potential would require both increased investment and a skilled workforce capable of meeting industry demands.
Professor MM Nurul Absar said the partnership would create opportunities to develop curricula in line with business needs and further improve the quality of education at CIU.
Former Chamber President Engineer Ali Ahmed stressed the need for effective implementation of the agreement. Another former president, Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, proposed forming a joint committee comprising representatives from the Chamber and CIU to identify priority sectors and strengthen educational and research initiatives.
Chamber directors, business representatives, CIU trustees and faculty members attended the event.
