China setting up centres

Education

By VANESSA NIKEN
EDUCATION-related activities can promote friendship and mutual understanding significantly between Papua New Guinea and China, Chinese Ambassador Xue Bing says.
“This is why two universities in China are working with institutions of higher learning in PNG to set up education centres and institutes here,” he said.
Speaking at the presentation of Chinese government scholarships last Thursday, Xue said the first Confucius Education, Culture and Research Centre would be opening in Eastern Highland’s University of Goroka (UoG) anytime this month.
“It is a project between the UoG and the Open University of China OUC),” he said.
“The centre will promote intercultural exchange, Mandarin classes and training and provide research opportunities for scholars and students of both universities.
“The Chinese language training programme is also developing rapidly and the cooperation is indeed important.” Xue said the Chongqing Normal University of China (CNUC) was also working with the PNG University of Technology (Unitech) to set up a Confucius institute in Lae.
“Apart from offering scholarships, China has also provided assistance to construct education facilities,” he said.
“These facilities include the Butuka Academy in Port Moresby, the Western Pacific University in Southern Highlands and the Technical College in Enga.”
“Although China is still a developing country, we will continue to provide assistance within our capacity on the basis of mutual respect and common human development and progress.
“We are glad to see that PNG is also making great efforts to realise its own dreams.”
Xue said China was always ready to work with PNG to further strengthen dialogue, communications and cooperation in all areas to promote mutual benefits to both countries.