On March 7, Li Min, Deputy Director of the Qiantang District United Front Work Department; Jin Chiyu, Second-level Researcher; and Ms. Shen Dixiao, International Operations Director of Edinburgh Napier University (UK), visited Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade for an exchange session. Chen Dequan, President of the institute, met with the delegation and attended a symposium. Representatives from the institute’s academic and administrative departments—including the School of Cooperative Economics, School of Creative Design, School of Digital Intelligence and Finance, School of Precision Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Digital Trade, School of Food and Health, School of Business Intelligence, Academic Affairs Office, and International Exchange and Cooperation Center—participated in the meeting. Also present were Xue Baichuan, General Manager of the institute’s industry partner Haina Linker International Culture Communication (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd., and student representatives from the UK Winter Study Camp.
President Chen Dequan extended a warm welcome to the guests and provided an overview of the institute’s educational achievements and internationalization efforts. He emphasized that education serves as a bridge to foster international friendship and people-to-people connectivity, highlighting its pivotal role in China-UK bilateral relations. Under the guidance of the Qiantang District United Front Work Department, he expressed hope that both institutions could align with industry demands, focus on global industrial chain upgrades, expand collaboration areas, deepen cooperation, and strengthen international industry-education-research projects to empower student development and inject new momentum into educational internationalization.
Ms. Shen Dixiao expressed gratitude for the hospitality and introduced Edinburgh Napier University’s educational history, disciplinary system, curriculum design, and international collaboration programs. She noted the shared commitment to cultivating practical talents and stated that future cooperation would prioritize nurturing internationalized application-oriented talents with strong language skills and technical expertise, jointly writing a new chapter in China-UK educational collaboration.
During the meeting, Xue Baichuan presented the progress of the jointly established Jingmao Haina International Innovation Center and summarized the outcomes of the UK Edinburgh Winter Study Camp program. Li Min and Jin Chiyu from the Qiantang District United Front Work Department awarded Cultural Promotion Activity Certificates to outstanding participants of the study camp, commending their efforts in promoting traditional Chinese culture and showcasing the positive image of the institute and Qiantang District.The event also featured discussions on student exchange programs, faculty visits, and academic collaborations. Ms. Shen Dixiao delivered a sharing session titled A Comparative Perspective on Chinese-British Cultures and University Education, which engaged over 110 students from the institute’s secondary colleges.This exchange marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade and Edinburgh Napier University, paving the way for future cross-cultural and industry-education synergies.
