MINSK, 9 September (BelTA) – A Chinese technologies department may be opened in the Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU). The matter is being discussed with China's Northeastern University, BelTA learned from Belarusian Education Minister Igor Karpenko during the European Forum of Confucius Institutes in Minsk on 9 September.
The matter of opening a Chinese technologies department in the BNTU in association with the Northeastern University is in the discussion phase, the education minister said. “Setting up a branch of this Chinese university in Belarus also looks promising,” he remarked.
Friendly and trustful relations have evolved in the 25 years since Belarus and China established diplomatic relations. Cooperation in education affairs also develops dynamically and successfully. The legal base includes international agreements on cooperation and mutual recognition of education certificates and scientific degree certificates. It helps further enhance the bilateral mutually beneficial relations in this field, the official stressed.
Belarusian higher education establishments have already signed over 350 direct cooperation agreements with Chinese universities. Over 30 joint higher education programs are being implemented. The possibility of jointly training top-qualification scientists is under consideration.
Igor Karpenko reminded that 2019 had been declared the Year of Belarusian Education in China. According to the education minister, the sides are trying to use the fact as much as possible in order to step up cooperation. Three Belarusian studies centers have been opened in China this year: at premises of the Nanjing University of Science and Technology, the Dalian Polytechnic University, and the Beijing International Studies University. A total of 11 Belarusian studies centers have been established in China. Two joint research labs operate. Agreements have been reached on opening another two. A joint institute has been established by the Dalian Polytechnic University and the Belarusian State University.
Over 1,000 Belarusians studied in China during the previous academic year as part of various education programs. Over 200 students could do it using Chinese grants. Over 3,000 students from China already go to Belarusian universities. “We are glad because young people will create the foundation for real cooperation of our countries in the sphere of education and culture, in the manufacturing sector and social sphere in the future,” Igor Karpenko concluded.
The forum is scheduled to take place in Minsk on 9-10 September. Taking part in the forum are about 50 administrators and specialists of Confucius institutes from Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, UK, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Romania, Slovakia, France, and Sweden. The specialists are expected to discuss ways to improve the work of the institutes with a view to stepping up efforts to implement the Belt and Road initiative in Eurasian space. Actions to create effective dialogue platforms for scientists, politicians, and businessmen, who take part in the project, are under consideration. Plans have been made to pay close attention to model institutes, their significance and role in the development of classic and specialized Confucius institutes.
During the forum Deputy Chief Executive of Confucius Institute Headquarters Zhao Guocheng sketched out priority avenues of the institutes' work to implement the Belt and Road initiative. He also spoke at length about the work of model Confucius institutes.
The forum began in the new building of the Belarusian institute of Chinese studies named after Confucius. The new building located at 9 Revolyutsionnaya Street, Minsk was solemnly opened on 9 September.
