The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) celebrated the inauguration of its two-year flagship MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics) 2024-26 programmes today in New Delhi. The ceremony was marked by the presence of the Chief Guest, Chancellor of IIFT, and Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Government of India, Sunil Barthwal, who inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
In his inaugural address, Sunil Barthwal congratulated the students for joining these prestigious programmes. He emphasized the vital role that international business and business analytics play in today’s interconnected world. He highlighted that international trade is a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and innovation, while business analytics is revolutionizing organizational operations by enabling data-driven decision-making and providing insights that enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
Barthwal stressed the importance of fostering a culture of peer-to-peer learning through debates and discussions. He encouraged interaction with industry experts, alumni, trade-based research organizations, and government officials to enrich the learning environment. He urged students to seize the opportunities provided by IIFT, think beyond borders, embrace diversity, and strive to make a positive global impact. Emphasizing the dynamic nature of the business world, he advised students to continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn new skills.
Highlighting India’s demographic dividend, Barthwal called upon students to leverage technology and entrepreneurial skills to envision themselves as future leaders in emerging services and trade-related sectors. He urged them to contribute towards Vision @2047, envisioning India’s transformation into a developed nation.
Professor Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of IIFT, welcomed the new students and underscored the importance of hard work and acquiring contemporary managerial skills for success in corporate life. He reiterated his commitment to transforming IIFT into a world-class institute of global repute, specializing in international business and trade through cutting-edge research, training, and education.
