From September 15^th to 20^th, President Wang Zuwen attended the 8^th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), where President Wang was elected as the new Chair of IAMU for the term of 2008-2010.

Since its foundation in 1999, IAMU has developed into a membership of 49 member institutions from 24 countries. DMU joined the IAMU in 2000, and attended the AGA every year.
　　The 7^th AGA of IAMU was held at Dalian, which has greatly increased the China’s impact on the international maritime community. The 7^th AGA was commented by the Presidents from member institutions as the best and the most successful AGA ever. In addition, the success of the 7^th AGA has also won DMU a leading position in the international maritime education community.
　　The successful election of President Wang Zuwen as the new Chair of IAMU marks the important role DMU plays in IAMU and also a milestone in DMU’s drive for the goal of upgrading the University to a position of preeminence among the world’s maritime universities.

President Wang delivered the inaugural speech at the Assembly. He said that it is his great pleasure and honor, to serve as the Chair of International Association of Maritime Universities for the term of 2008 to 2010. He appreciated the trust from International Executive Board. He expressed his gratitude to all the member institutions for their support and active participation over the years, to Nippon Foundation for their generous sponsorship, and to IAMU secretariat who have been dedicatedly involved themselves IAMU activities. President Wang also congratulate and thank Prof. Tyler, former Chair of IAMU, for his dedicated leadership during his two years in office and his contribute to the rapid development of IAMU and of world maritime education and training.

President Wang addressed that the world is experiencing tremendous growth in the shipping area. It is recognized by us all that the shipping industry is a service industry, in which human resources are the critical element. It is only feasible to secure, and to preserve highly qualified human resources in the maritime industries through effective education and training. President Wang said that as the new Chair of IAMU, it is his duty and role, to further promote mutual understanding and friendship among member institutions and to firmly maintain networking in maritime education community worldwide. President Wang said that he is ready to work together with all the IAMU members, for IAMU and for the future of international maritime community.

During the Assembly, DMU has also signed cooperation agreement with Istanbul Technical University, Turkey and Wismar University,