Shanghai Maritime University held an academic salon themed "the training of legal talents in foreign shipping" on Monday.

Speakers shared their observations about the qualification requirements of international organizations for foreign-related legal talents, how teachers can help foster students' ability to deal with foreign-related legal transactions, and how students learn to deal with international legal affairs.

Clive Humphrey Aston, a member of the decision committee of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association, said that Chinese companies are playing an increasingly important role in the field of arbitration in London, and that the differences in legal culture and procedures impact how the cases are going on.

He suggested the students accumulate experience through case studies and learn foreign legal culture, especially procedural and substantive law knowledge.

Michael Lund, deputy secretary-general of the Baltic and International Maritime Council, encouraged the young people in attendance not to set limits for their future while staying humble.

Andrew Rigden Green, a partner at the British law firm Stephenson Harwood, said that an outstanding foreign business legal advisor needs to be able to explain complex legal and business issues to clients in simple and clear language.

"Foreign lawyers also need to maintain curiosity, keep learning, and pay attention to changes in society and technology," he said.

The university was selected as one of the first institutions of higher education in Shanghai to establish a training base for foreign-related legal talents in January. It has since been deepening the reform of legal education in foreign-related shipping and exploring the integrated development of multiple disciplines like law and engineering.

The school has also been promoting the construction of research centers, such as the one for Chinese and foreign maritime laws, and another for international trade and shipping consulting service as well as data information.