The Andrews Labor Government has signed a ground-breaking agreement with the Chinese Government on training and research which could see thousands of employees receive training from Victorian education providers.
Minister for International Education Steve Herbert today signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing between Victoria and China’s State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA).
The MoU identifies a number of areas for collaboration, including the exchange of expertise and research in high growth industry areas, professional development for local and central government officials, exchange of publications and academic materials, and co-hosting international conferences between China and Victoria.
SAFEA is an administrative agency of the State Council of China responsible for certifying foreign experts to provide expertise in mainland China.
It is responsible for organising overseas training for Chinese technical and managerial professionals working in government departments, state-owned enterprises and government related entities.
Through the MoU, the Victorian Government and SAFEA have formally recognised the many mutual benefits from collaboration and co-operation, such as increased trade and deeper cultural links.
Victoria’s New China Strategy: Partnerships for Prosperity announced by the Labor Government in April 2016 commits to supporting the activities of Victorian education providers in China.
International Education is Victoria’s number one service based export and supports more than 30,000 jobs across the state, generating $5.6 billion dollars for the economy last financial year.
The Victorian Budget 2016/17 included $32 million to drive continued growth in the international education sector. It will also be used to help implement the International Education Sector Strategy.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for International Education Steve Herbert
“This is a landmark agreement for Victoria’s international education sector which will open up new opportunities for collaboration with China.”
“International education is Victoria’s biggest service export and this agreement will help us grow this important sector by offering training services to Chinese Government officials and collaborating on research.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020