International Students from Our Institute Participate in the Year-End Exchange Meeting of Shanghai Host Institutions for the MOFCOM Foreign Aid Degree Program
On December 27, 2024, international students from our institute attended the first year-end exchange meeting of Shanghai host institutions for the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Foreign Aid Degree Program. The event was guided by MOFCOM, led by Tongji University, and jointly participated in by our institute and East China Normal University. Sun Zhonghe, Dean of the MOFCOM International Business Officials Research Institute, Lü Peiming, Executive Vice President of Tongji University, Zhang Gexing, Vice President of our institute, and Meng Zhongjie, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of East China Normal University, attended and delivered speeches. Representatives from MOFCOM, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, and the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau were also present.
Sun Zhonghe stated that China's human resource development cooperation has become a "window" for sharing development experiences with other developing countries and a "bridge" for enhancing mutual friendship and cooperation. It has played a significant role in improving the independent development capabilities of developing countries, strengthening friendly cooperation between China and relevant countries, and building a community with a shared future for mankind. He expressed hope that international students in China could fully appreciate China's long history and civilization, experience the vitality of Chinese modernization, feel the hospitality of the Chinese people, and gain a deeper understanding of a real, multidimensional, and comprehensive China.
Lü Peiming noted that Tongji University has always been committed to advancing educational development and actively participating in global cultural exchanges and cooperation. Since undertaking the MOFCOM project, the university has attracted outstanding master's and doctoral students from around the world, providing localized solutions for sustainable development and cultivating a large number of high-quality international talents in the environmental field with innovative capabilities and practical experience. He looked forward to promoting broader and deeper cooperation in the future, exploring new opportunities in education, culture, and social development.
Zhang Gexing emphasized that the MOFCOM project has added vibrant international elements to Shanghai, bringing youthful energy and diverse cultures from around the world. This event has established a platform for exchange, interaction, and mutual growth. He welcomed everyone to visit the Shanghai National Accounting Institute for future exchanges, aiming to better cultivate high-level international accounting talents.
Meng Zhongjie stated that East China Normal University would further enhance its efforts in MOFCOM's foreign aid initiatives. Leveraging its profound educational foundation, the university is committed to improving the educational standards of developing countries, deepening cultural understanding and recognition among nations, and contributing its wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
During the meeting, the Shanghai host institutions of the MOFCOM Foreign Aid Degree Program jointly released a collaborative initiative to strengthen educational cooperation and resource sharing in training mechanisms, curriculum resources, academic platforms, and research projects. This aims to better serve the implementation of foreign aid projects and promote exchanges and interactions among the host institutions in Shanghai.
The exchange meeting, themed around the four seasons of "spring, summer, autumn, and winter," narrated the growth of international students, showcased their talents, and deepened mutual understanding and friendship. The event featured a situational drama depicting the lives of international students, lively dance performances, and captivating Chinese stories, offering a splendid cultural feast. It expressed the concept of a "community with a shared future for mankind" at a deeper level, highlighting the beauty of Chinese culture and the harmony of world cultures.
[Introduction to the MOFCOM Foreign Aid Degree Program]
In 2008, MOFCOM launched the Developing Countries Degree Education Program, aiming to cultivate high-level, interdisciplinary, and application-oriented talents in fields such as economics and trade, agriculture, education, science, culture, health, energy, transportation, and public administration. This program has provided strong intellectual support for promoting the economic and social development of recipient countries. After 16 years of development, the program has become a flagship initiative for cultivating trade and investment cooperation talents in China, playing a pivotal role in fostering economic and trade exchanges, high-quality economic development, and expanding friendly relations between China and other developing countries. Since 2010, Shanghai host institutions of the MOFCOM Foreign Aid Degree Program have undertaken the training of students in fields such as environment and sustainable development, accounting, and education, sending 972 international talents to over 110 countries.
Since 2015, our institute has been hosting the Master's Program in Accounting for Developing Countries, training 249 students to date. The student body primarily consists of young financial officials from government departments such as ministries of finance and central banks, spanning 34 countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. This initiative has contributed to building a talent pool for financial reform and development in developing countries, promoting shared development and prosperity among nations.
