Chinese-Ulster University Link Welcomed

There has been a warm welcome for news that the University of Ulster and the Chinese Confucius Institute Headquarters are to establish a facility locally aimed at fostering closer ties between China and Northern Ireland.

Strong links are being established with, for example, the Chinese Consul-General visiting from Edinburgh soon, to seal a major investment deal into Northern Ireland from China.

The University of Ulster's Vice-Chancellor Prof Richard Barnett is hosting a lunch for him with various senior officers from the university and people from industry with whom the university collaborates on projects taking place on the 20th September.

Commenting on the overall NI-Chinese link-up, the Strangford MLA and Stormont Junior Minister Jonathan Bell welcomed the agreement signed between the two.

He said: "The Confucius Institute operates in much the same way as the British Council and to have a local institute established will be of major benefit to Northern Ireland.

"China is the world's second largest economy and developing links with China will provide huge opportunities for the Northern Ireland economy in the future.

"Whilst there are already opportunities for students to study Chinese language courses, but the establishment of the institute in Northern Ireland can greatly expand this.

"The University of Ulster also now joins a number of high profile universities across the United Kingdom and indeed worldwide which already have established an institute.

"This now means we can compete at the same level as many of these cities and regions when we are attempting to boost our economy," he said.

As well as students training in language skills this can also ensure that businesses are better prepared for doing business in China.

For companies seeking to establish a foothold in the market this can prepare them for the business culture there and assist with developing contacts in the relevant areas.

The Junior Minister continued: "The establishment of the Institute is a good news story for Northern Ireland as a whole and helps build on links which are already established such as the 'Sister City' link between Belfast and [Chinese] Hefei.

"As we seek to move our economy out of recession it is vital that we develop and exploit links with countries such as China which are experiencing huge growth and provide a massive potential for export opportunities," he said.

The Alliance Employment and Learning Spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has also hailed news that University of Ulster has been chosen to host a Confucius Institute which will work to forge closer links between China and Northern Ireland.

"I am very pleased at news of this announcement, which indicates the excellent work being done at University of Ulster.

"This is a significant development for Northern Ireland and has the potential to deliver real cultural and economic benefits for the region.

"It is vitally important for Northern Ireland to develop strong international cultural and trade links and this type of agreement will help to deliver this aim.

"It is crucial that strong relationships are forged between Northern Ireland and other countries so that we can promote everything that we have to offer," he said, in conclusion.

(BMcC/GK)