A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Chongqing in China and Wales has been signed today to enhance joint international educational opportunities for students in both countries.
The signing of the MoU has taken place during ‘Wales Week’ in Chongqing which includes a series of Wales-related business, tourism, education and cultural events.
The MoU is building on the good work already being carried out in the field of education between the two countries. It also aims to increase opportunities for post-16 students by facilitating closer collaboration between Welsh Further Education Institutions and Higher Education Institutions and counterparts in Chongqing.
The Welsh Assembly Government has already supported schools projects through the British Council which have established links between more than fifty Welsh schools and schools in Chongqing resulting in several exchange opportunities for pupils.
The MoU follows a formal Co-operation Agreement between Wales and Chongqing in March 2008 which has resulted in joint work being undertaken in the fields of trade, energy, technology, agriculture, health, culture and education.
Education Minister Leighton Andrews said:
"It is essential that we are able to offer educational opportunities on an international level to students in Wales. By signing the Memorandum of Understanding we will further strengthen our links with Chongqing in the field of education and work towards exciting joint opportunities for students on both sides of the world."
Deputy Director of the British Council Wales Victoria Grant said:
"We are delighted to have been working with the Welsh Assembly Government to support links between Wales and Chongqing across a range of sectors, and we welcome the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding which recognises the work which has gone into developing educational links between Wales and Chongqing and provides a framework for continuing co-operation."