CBI report: UK universities’ growing range of links with China key asset for deepening UK-China relations

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LONDON, 14-Nov-2016 — /EuropaWire/ — China’s increasing research and economic significance, and the UK’s world-leading universities, with their growing range of links with China, provide a key assets for deepening UK-China relations still further.

The CBI’s latest report, Bridges to the future: The role of universities in the UK-China relationship – in collaboration with Middlesex University London – reveals that there are already 950 programmes of transnational education operating in China, enabling more than 57,000 students in China to study towards UK qualifications each year.  Not only this, nearly 90,000 students from mainland China study at UK universities – more than one-fifth of all international students in the UK.

Read the report

As the CBI’s Beijing office celebrates its tenth anniversary, Bridges to the futureshowcases the potential of further UK-Chinese collaboration in higher education.

The report profiles examples of successful partnerships, where companies, universities and governments have come together to support education, innovation and the economy.

Guy Dru-Drury, CBI Head of China Office, said:

“The links between our two countries are extraordinarily diverse and higher education institutions across a wide range of disciplines lie at the heart of this.  It’s a brilliant sign that the golden flame of UK-China relations continues to burn bright.  Now is the time to build on these strong foundations as opportunities open up within China and the UK.

“With higher education a top priority for China, the vibrant range of existing research partnerships, high-quality teaching and business incubators demonstrate how both nations can benefit from a closer working relationship. This success has depended on nurturing partnerships and close collaboration.

“Together we must identify ways of building new trade and investment partnerships through higher education, creating opportunities to tackle the shared challenges of our countries. As more UK universities work with Chinese partners to provide innovative education options for China’s talented and motivated students, business, government and universities all have a part to play to help these partnerships flourish.”

Professor Tim Blackman, Vice Chancellor, Middlesex University London, said:

“At Middlesex University London we enjoy strong links with China and welcome a large number of Chinese students every year who have access to courses that are designed to meet the needs of modern business.

“We also run many successful courses with partners in Hong Kong and are extending these further into China.

“Whether students choose to study environmental management, design engineering, entrepreneurship or our many other courses created to meet the needs of today’s businesses and societies, they will have a life-changing experience that will give them the knowledge and skills they will need for the competitive world of work.

“I am very pleased that Middlesex University London is working with the CBI on this initiative which showcases higher education – one of Britain’s strongest exports – and recognises the huge contribution British universities can make to Britain, to China and to the world.”

Press enquiries
For all press enquiries please contact the CBI press office
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SOURCE: CBI

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