Initiative for Free Trade and The University of Buckingham establish strategic association

The Initiative for Free Trade (IFT) was launched at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2017. Since then, it has conducted high-level research on trends in global trade and produced innovative proposals for reform. As well as continuing its research, IFT will help to organise and deliver new University teaching programmes, including postgraduate and professional training courses in trade economics, international trade law and economic diplomacy.

Vice-Chancellor of The University of Buckingham, James Tooley, said:

“We are delighted to establish this strategic association between IFT, The University of Buckingham and the Vinson Centre for the Public Understanding of Economics and Entrepreneurship. Over the past three years, our teaching staff and students have benefited from the IFT’s analyses of recent trends in global trade policy. We have also recognised the IFT’s ability to educate civil society about trade, and to effectively engage policymakers with innovative proposals for reform. At a time when many seem sceptical about the benefits of trade, we are immensely proud of our decision to further increase our teaching and research capacities in this strategic area.”

Lord Hannan, the President of the Initiative for Free Trade, said:

“One of IFT’s strengths has been its ability to engage with leading experts from across the world. We free traders understand that human progress is a global effort, and that innovation flourishes when boundaries do not hinder exchange. We are honoured to form this strategic association with The University of Buckingham and the Vinson Centre for the Public Understanding of Economics and Entrepreneurship, and look forward to contributing to their cutting-edge teaching and research programmes”.