Glyndwr University expands its links with China

Glyndwr University has put pen to paper on the first of seven planned agreements to share its research with as many different universities within Chongqing, southwest China.

The new memorandum of understanding with Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications (CQUPT) will see both universities collaborate in the fields of art, business and engineering.

Glyndwr University will start teaching students from CQUPT at its Wrexham campus from September 2010. Staff from CQUPT will also be given English language training and the Universities will carry out joint research. The agreement will last for five years initially.

The University is hoping to sign similar joint research and teaching agreements with a further six universities in Chongqing over the next few months.

Brian Foxon, Director of International Operations at Glyndwr University, said: "Now that we’ve signed the agreement we’re really looking forward to sharing our ideas and expertise.

"The agreement further strengthens our educational links in China and in future through exchange placements will provide our home students with the opportunity to broaden their horizons in an international environment."

Glyndwr University currently has links to more than 15 education-based organizations in China, including the world famous Renmin University of China.

Chongqing municipality is one of the most populated in China and home to 16 universities.

The other institutions which Glyndwr University plans to sign agreements with include Southwest University, Sichuan International Studies University, Southwest University of Political Sciences & Law, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Technology & Business University and Chongqing University of Science and Technology.

The new memorandum of understanding is tied to a cooperation agreement which the Welsh Assembly Government signed with the Chongqing Municipal Government in 2006, committing both to working together in 6 areas: economic and trade development; education and training; environment; culture; governance and agriculture.