In the last few months most universities in Wales have signed new  agreements with universities in Chongqing, China to co-operate in research, teaching and staff development.

This is in context of the burgeoning relationship between Wales and the Chinese province of Chongqing. The growing relationship stems from the 2006 signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Wales and Chongqing which identified six areas of cooperation: economic and trade development; education and training; environment; culture; governance and agriculture.

Chongqing municipality is one of the most populated in China and home to 16 universities. Since the signing of the MOU a wealth of partnerships have begun: There is an MOU between the Chongqing Science and Technology Association and Techniquest, and work is progressing on an MOU between the Welsh Assembly Government Innovation and Technology Division and the Chongqing Science and Technology Commission, who are considering setting up an office in one of the Techniums in Wales.

There have been some cultural exchanges including an appearance by the National Dance Company of Wales at the opening ceremony of the Grand Theatre in Chongqing and the National Museum of Wales and the Chongqing Culture Bureau have negotiated for the Dazu rock carvings to be exhibited in Wales. Partnerships have also been formed in the areas of agriculture & forestry management, tourism, environment, health, urban planning, governance and youth work.

There have been numerous trade missions and delegations between Wales and Chongqing and March 2010 will see the fourth Wales Week in Chongqing event, a highly successful event exhibiting the best of Wales business, education, culture and tourism.

Currently discussions are underway towards the signing of an education specific memorandum between the Department of Children, Education, and Lifelong Learning Skills at the Welsh Assembly Government and the Ministry of Education in Chongqing.

Read the full press release from Wales International Consortium (WIC).