A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today between Brisbane and Sister City Chongqing (China) aimed to create education opportunities between the two cities.

Signing the Education MOU is Brisbane Marketing’s Study Brisbane program and the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission at the Sebel Citigate in Brisbane.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said at the signing that the Education MOU with Chongqing is another important initiative with Brisbane’s Sister Cities.

“Chongqing is Brisbane’s largest Sister City and makes an invaluable contribution to the economic, cultural and social fabric of our City,” Lord Mayor said.

“It is vitally important that we promote and foster our relationship with Chongqing through this new Education MOU which will help the development of Brisbane as an international education destination.

“I commend the work of Study Brisbane and the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission and encourage education institutions, teachers and students in Brisbane to take advantage of this bilateral relationship.”

At the signing, Brisbane Marketing’s CEO John Aitken commented that this MOU is about enriching the education sectors in Brisbane and Chongqing.

“This unique MOU will help benefit both cities by encouraging reciprocal exchange programs and partnerships between education institutions. It will not only provide opportunities for Brisbane students, but teachers and academic staff as well,” Mr Aitken said.

“Brisbane is a welcoming, friendly and multicultural city and this MOU reflects the importance we place on building international relationships and strengthening the city’s education sector through personal experiences.”

Mr Hu Bin, Senior Supervisor from the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission signed the agreement on behalf of the Commission.

The Education MOU is expected to pave the way for:

  • academic, student, vocational and professional co-operation and exchanges in vocational education and training (VET)
  • sister-school relationships and active educational and cultural events
  • joint courses and research, teacher training, and education events between education institutions in both cities.

Earlier in the day Study Brisbane hosted representatives from the Chongqing Vocational Education Delegation at the Southbank Institute of Technology.

Attended by 14 representatives from the Delegation and 25 Study Brisbane education members, the event was held to explore opportunities in the VET sectors between Brisbane and Chongqing and to establish connections with key education providers.

The Brisbane-Chongqing Sister City Agreement was also resigned on the 18 February 2010 by Lord Mayor Campbell Newman. The five-year MOU created exchanges and co-operation initiatives across several fields such as science, technology, culture, sports, health, education, agriculture and tourism.

Chongqing is Brisbane’s largest Sister City with an estimated population of over 30 million. The two cities signed their first Sister City Agreement in 2005. Chongqing Municipal Government is the largest autonomous municipality in China, and manages one of the largest cities in the world.

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About Study Brisbane

Brisbane Marketing’s Study Brisbane program was established to advance the development of Brisbane’s international education sector.

Study Brisbane plays a strategic role in Brisbane’s education market by focusing on driving the growth of international student enrolments in Brisbane’s institutions from a range of international source markets. The program also aims to improve the experience of international students currently studying in Brisbane to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector and their advocacy for the city.
www.studybrisbane.com 

Media enquiries

Interview and photo shoots available with:

  • Lord Mayor Campbell Newman
  • Brisbane Marketing CEO, John Aitken

Elisabeth Topham | Advisor, Media and Communications
T +61 7 3006 6263| F +61 7 3006 6251| E etopham@brisbanemarketing.com.au

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