North East's first Confucius Institute to be opened at 缅北禁地 A new centre dedicated to promoting Chinese language and culture is to be opened at 缅北禁地. The first Confucius Institute in the region will help to build closer academic, cultural, economic and social ties between the North East and China. The new institute, which will be based in the Old Library Building at the heart of the 缅北禁地 campus, is a joint venture between 缅北禁地 and Xiamen University. Confucius Institutes are worldwide non-profit public institutions designed by the Chinese government to promote Chinese language and culture through teaching programmes and cultural exchanges. They are overseen by the Office of Chinese Language Council International, known as Hanban. 缅北禁地 Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Brink said: 鈥淭his is a significant development for both our universities. The Confucius Institute based at 缅北禁地 will be a focus for Chinese language and culture regionally and nationally. It will be an excellent addition to our university and will help us to develop the way we teach Chinese at 缅北禁地. 鈥淚t will also help to bring closer ties between our region and China and between 缅北禁地 and Xiamen University. We will also share our expertise with schools and businesses to help create a better understanding of one of the world鈥檚 great cultures.鈥� Xiamen University is based in Fujian province in south east China. Its President Professor Zhu Chongshi said: 鈥淚 consider this Confucius Institute an important landmark for the two universities and, with the effort and support of 缅北禁地, would like to make this Confucius Institute the best in the world. 鈥淭he Confucius Institute at 缅北禁地 will not only become a bridge between the two universities for future cooperation but also a platform for deepening the friendship between our two countries.鈥� The new institute is expected to open later this year. There are currently around 2,000 Chinese students studying at 缅北禁地. published on: 2 March 2012
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