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BEIJING
– Students from B.C. and China will
have more opportunities for their degrees, diplomas and certificates to be
recognized in each other’s homelands under an agreement signed by Premier
Gordon Campbell and Chinese Minister of Education Zhou Ji.
“Strengthening
international education is a key element of our Asia Pacific Strategy, which is
enhancing B.C.’s ability to make connections with the countries that are so
important to our future,” said Campbell. “This agreement is an example of how
the strategy is opening doors in China and British Columbia for students,
faculty and post-secondary institutions which have much to offer each other –
and the world.”
The
agreement will expand educational ties between B.C. and China by promoting
co-operation in joint research and advanced training, as well as exchanges of
students and faculty. British Columbia and China will exchange lists of
government-recognized higher and post-secondary education institutions, which
will allow for the recognition of credentials from institutions in both places.
“British
Columbia has enormous potential as North America’s crossroad to the
Asia-Pacific region,” said Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell. “This
agreement will pave the way for students and educators in our province to
create lasting relationships that will enhance both learning and research.”
Campbell
signed an earlier education agreement with the People’s Republic of China in
November 2003. The agreement signed today is specific to advanced education.
China’s Ministry of Education has also provided scholarships for British
Columbia students to study at Chinese universities.
Supporting
the Premier’s mission are representatives of 16 British Columbia public
post-secondary institutions, who are visiting China to sign agreements with
Chinese partner institutions, have talks with existing and future partners, and
meet Chinese students who have attended B.C. institutions.
Campbell
is in Beijing as part of a mission to Japan and China, including the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region, to promote British Columbia as Canada’s Pacific
Gateway. This is his third mission to
Asia, following visits to China and India in 2003, and China and Japan in 2001.
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Photos from the Premier’s
events in China will be available in the government media room at: www.mediaroom.gov.bc.ca
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contact: |
Communications Director Office of the Premier 250 361-7783 |
Communications Director 250 952-6508 250 888-0023 (cell) |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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