- Published:
- Tuesday 5 July 2016
One of Victoria’s newest relationships in China is set to expand following a meeting between the Andrews Labor Government and the Sichuan Department of Education.
Minister for International Education Steve Herbert today met with key representatives from the Sichuan Department of Education as part of an eight day trade and education mission to China.
The Labor Government is building stronger ties with the Chinese province to allow the two states to collaborate more closely.
Victoria’s education relationship is already strong after the Victorian Government and the Sichuan Department of Education signed a four-year memorandum of understanding, paving the way for Victorian education providers and Chinese institutions to work together.
Melbourne, Deakin and La Trobe Universities are all active in the Sichuan region, each maintaining relationships with local education providers that have seen programs ranging from scholarships to study tours and the formation of academic research links.
Mr Herbert’s visit to China ties in with the release of the Labor Government’s new China Strategy, Partnerships for Prosperity, outlining our support for Victorian education providers in China.
In September 2015, the Labor Government signed a letter of intent with Sichuan to signify the coming together of the two states in a sister relationship by September 2016.
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
“By strengthening our ties with important partners like the Sichuan Department of Education, Victoria is opening up new opportunities for Chinese students to experience our world-class education system.”
“Our growing relationship with Sichuan will build stronger ties with China to benefit us all and help keep Victoria’s economy strong.”