On February 20th, Education Minister Yuan Guiren met with Chris Evans, Minister of Australian Industry, Innovation, Science, Research & Tertiary Education delegates.

    Mr. Yuan spoke highly of the achievements of Sino-Australian education exchange. He said, “Sino-Australian education exchange witnesses rapid development and diversified form. It has shown a good development trend and became an important part of bilateral relations. The education ministries of China and Australia are closely related since a long time ago. They have carried out fruitful cooperation and promoted the development of bilateral education exchange.” Mr. Yuan also introduced guests the latest development of Chinese higher education. He pointed out that Chinese higher education has entered a new phase, with focus on improving overall education quality. Currently, the main task are optimizing structure, cultivating applied-type talents, promoting non-state education and improving Sino-foreign cooperation in running schools.

    Evans introduced the latest development and practice of Australian tertiary education. He pointed out that Australian education ministry has attached great importance to its relations with Chinese counterpart. The ministry has been looking for more opportunities for cooperation to further deepening and expanding the education exchange between the two countries.

    Mr. Yuan and Evans had an in-depth discussion concerning how to cultivate applied-type talents and promote the cooperation between universities and enterprises and industries. The two parties also exchanged opinions on holding “Sino-Australian Higher Education Forum”. They agreed that they will take the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Australian diplomatic relations as an opportunity, promote exchange and cooperation in higher education between the two countries in a more extensive way.

From ministry of education net on 2012-02-20.