Varna Free University signs three new academic exchange agreements with Chinese universities
The city of Varna was the Bulgarian representative at the week dedicated to the economic and cultural exchange between China and the Central and Eastern European countries, which took place between 8th and 11th June in the city of Ningbo. 20 cities from 14 countries participated in the event. Part of the Bulgarian delegation was Prof. Valeri Stoyanov, PhD – Vice Rector for educational affairs of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”. The delegation, which included representatives of the business, the academia and the city municipality, was headed by the mayor Varna Ivan Portnih.
The forum was opened by Li Ziue, whose welcoming speech reminded the guests that this year the cities of Varna and Ningbo are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their fraternization. He stressed the need for a more active collaboration between the two cities. “We are heading in the right direction, I am convinced that our joint work will continue with a lot of new initiatives”, said the mayor Ivan Portnih. He outlined the potential for investments and collaboration with business enterprises, universities and cultural institutions in Bulgaria’s sea capital. Among the guests of the event were Li Hikun – Secretary General of China’s National Association for Collaboration with the Countries around the World, ambassadors, the General Consul of Bulgaria in Shanghai – Irina Beleva.
The mayors of Varna and Ningbo signed a cooperation programme in the area of education – 2014–2017. Exchange programmes for teachers of Bulgarian and Chinese, training events, assistance for schools and universities in developing joint projects, including electronic joint activities, creating a data exchange internet platform – these are some of the ideas on the programme.
Within the period of the visit Prof. Valeri Stoyanov signed a training and exchange agreement for students and faculty of Varna Free University and three Chinese universities – Dahongying University, Wanli University и Ningbo University.
