Beijing holds dialog to enhance China-Africa cooperation in education

A China-Africa-UNESCO dialog on education and cultural heritage protection was held in Beijing on Friday, with China committing to enhancing cooperation with Africa in the education sector.

Under the theme of collaboration for advancing educational development and protecting cultural heritage in Africa, the dialog explored areas including transformation of digital education, higher education, vocational education and youth employment, teacher capacity building, and cultural heritage protection.

Over 40 representatives from China, Africa and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) attended the dialog.

"We signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) for cooperation for the first time in 44 years of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe, for higher learning between our TVET institution program in exchanging students, in training of students in different areas of endeavor for higher learning between our TVET institutions," said Amon Murwira, Zimbabwe's Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development.

A document on the initiative for China-Africa cooperation in education and cultural heritage protection was issued at the meeting, according to a statement released by China's Ministry of Education after the event.

The meeting also issued a plan on cooperation between Chinese and African universities, and announced the launch of five centers for China-Africa cooperation in fields such as Chinese language, vocational skills education and teacher training, the statement said.

"In recent years, we have formed partnerships with 17 countries and 67 higher education research centers in Africa. We are currently developing new micro-credential courses aimed at providing continuous capacity building for 35,000 African educators," said Jin Li, director of the UNESCO International Center for Higher Education Innovation.

Beijing holds dialog to enhance China-Africa cooperation in education

Beijing holds dialog to enhance China-Africa cooperation in education

China will take more steps to further facilitate cross-border financial services in Shanghai by leveraging the municipality's role as an international financial center, according to a plan jointly issued by the central bank, the Shanghai municipal government and other financial authorities.

The plan outlines 18 key measures including improving cross-border settlement efficiency, strengthening the hedging of foreign exchange risks, and enhancing the insurance sector's services for export companies.

China will further optimize the management and operation of foreign exchange business, and encourage corporate groups to establish fund pools in Shanghai to achieve efficient onshore management and use of global funds.

The country will also support financial institutions to enhance their capacity to provide digital services and improve services for enterprises to expand abroad by leveraging technologies such as blockchain.

Efforts will be made to enhance the functionality and global coverage of the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System and encourage more banks to participate in the system, according to the plan.

The plan underscores the need to develop diversified products and services to hedge against foreign exchange risks, and to promote cross-border use of the Chinese currency renminbi.

According to the plan, China will increase insurance support for key export enterprises such as domestic commercial aircraft and new energy vehicle companies. The plan also encourages collaboration between insurance companies and reinsurance firms to establish insurance consortiums, thereby enhancing their capacity to cover special risks.

China to further facilitate cross-border financial services in Shanghai