In his speech, Zheng Shanjie recognised the success the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) has achieved over the past 15 years, especially in regards to talent education, research and cultural exchange between the UK and China. He said it would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the University of Nottingham UK, WEG (Wanli Education Group) and UNNC.

“UNNC has become the paradigm for Sino-foreign universities,” he said, “The development that the University has made lives up to the expectations President Xi set in 2006, and he would be happy should he witness your achievements.”

Zheng Shanjie also commented upon Ningbo’s rapid economic growth and the industrial development goals the city had ambitiously planned. He said UNNC’s three Beacons of Excellence - smart manufacturing, green chemicals/energy and life sciences/healthcare - matched perfectly with local needs and suggested there was great potential for cooperation.

Professor Shearer West echoed Zheng Shanjie’s comments on the University’s development aligning with Ningbo’s needs. She also expressed gratitude for the strong support from municipal government and paid tribute to the close cooperation between UNUK and Ningbo partner WEG.

Professor West said the China Beacons of Excellence project had already attracted a lot of interest from her UK colleagues. “Currently, there is much exchange between colleagues in China and the UK, to jointly formulate the development and implementation plans for the Institute.”

UNNC President Yang Fujia, Provost Nick Miles and UNNC Advisory Board members also attended the meeting.