This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Confucius Institute for Scotland
21/03/2006
The Chinese Government has approved the creation of a Confucius Institute in Scotland following talks in Beijing between the First Minister Jack McConnell and the Chinese Education Minister Professor Zhou Ji.
The Scottish Confucius Institute, to be located at Edinburgh University, will be part of a worldwide network promoting Chinese language and culture and strengthening understanding between individuals, businesses and communities in China and Scotland.
Phase 1 of the project (2006) will involve establishing the institute and initiating language teaching. Phase 2 (2007 onwards) will address increasing and enhancing language teaching and establishing and maintaining a programme of cultural activities.
Mr McConnell said:
"In this short visit I have been pleased to see the strengthening of Scotland's engagement with China. We are committed to this engagement for the long term because it will benefit both countries. We are working hard to cultivate links and today's announcement is a great step forward in the developing relationship between the nations of Scotland and China.
"The Confucius Institutes are highly regarded by the Chinese and to have one established in Scotland is an opportunity for us to further our understanding, engagement and friendship with the People's Republic of China. It is also a real tribute to Edinburgh University that it has been chosen as the site for the Institute. "
The Principal of Edinburgh University, Professor Timothy O'Shea, said:
"The University of Edinburgh shares a long history of over 150 years of productive collaboration with China. The Confucius Institute will be an excellent and welcome addition to the University. It will allow us to strengthen and develop our existing programmes in Chinese studies, including Chinese language, art and culture, and will open up exciting opportunities for joint research programmes and workshops, and staff exchanges.
"Indeed I hope that the Confucius Institute in Edinburgh will prove to be a valuable resource for furthering Scottish engagement in China in a range of areas - both cultural and commercial."
On his second day in Beijing, the FM visited a school where Chinese children are being taught by Louise Crowe from Perthshire as part of an exchange programme.
Mr McConnell also visited the University of International Business and Economics where he conducted a Chinese 'Ask Jack' with 200 Chinese students, some of whom are studying at Napier University as part of their course.
Background
The Confucius Institute network has been created to spearhead the teaching of Chinese language and culture worldwide and to strengthen economic and business ties. The Ministry of Education in China intend to open around 100 Confucius Institutes across the globe by 2010.
The Confucius Institute for Scotland will be operational from this year when it will launch a programme of language and business courses. From 2007 onwards it will offer a broader range of cultural and academic programmes, including language and cultural exchanges and training, as well as services to enhance the business and trade relations between Scotland and China.
The Institute will build on Edinburgh University's links with Fudan University in Shanghai (one of China's top three universities), which will provide staff on long term secondment to the University of Edinburgh to support the work of the Institute.
It is intended that the institute will act as a conduit of beneficial interaction in many fields, with the potential to benefit many organisations across the whole of Scotland in developing and sustaining links with China. It will also provide an opportunity for all Scots, particularly those interested in developing tourism and business links with China.