Ding Xiaochang (R), deputy director of Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, meets Steve Herbert, Victorian Minister for Training and Skills, in Nanjing on June 29.

Jiangsu and the Australian state of Victoria will further enhance cooperation in education by promoting exchange programs, scientific and research projects and setting up sister schools.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Ding Xiaochang, deputy director of Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, and a delegation led by Steve Herbert, Victorian Minister for Training and Skills, in Nanjing on June 29.

Ding briefed the guests on Jiangsu’s achievements in international educational exchange and took a look back on the educational cooperation between the two sides.

The Victorian Young Leaders to China Program, featuring a series of Chinese language courses and cultural experience activities, has been held five times, attracting 236 students and teachers since 2014. The number of joint education projects between Jiangsu and Victoria has reached 18, accounting for about one third of all joint education projects between Jiangsu and Australia. In addition, Jiangsu has set up five Confucius Institutes in Australia, among which two are in Victoria.

He also suggested facilitating exchange platforms for university students and encouraging cooperation with primary and middle schools.

Herbert agreed with Ding’s suggestions and expressed his appreciation for the joint efforts made by both sides on promoting educational exchange and expressed his hopes for further collaboration.