On May 14, 2024, the Dean of the School of International Relations at Sichuan International Studies University (SISU), Dr. Song Guohua, and the Party Branch Secretary, Ma Yuhua, visited the Chongqing Representative Office of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. During this visit, they engaged in productive discussions with Chief Representative Mr. Donglun Yang about future collaborations in education and cultural exchange, as well as international talent development. These discussions culminated in a promising preliminary agreement.

Dr. Song provided an overview of the School of International Relations, highlighting its unique characteristics, talent cultivation goals, and recent achievements in international education. He emphasized the school’s commitment to fostering students with global perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills. The school actively collaborates with overseas universities and educational institutions to offer diverse learning opportunities and broad development platforms for students. Additionally, the school leverages resources from the Chongqing Foreign Affairs Office and Chongqing Library to support its Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. The school is also in the process of establishing an International Organization Institute and applying for a doctoral program in regional and country studies, which are anticipated to be focal points for future cooperation.

Mr. Yang shared insights into the roles and objectives of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chongqing Representative Office, as well as the socio-economic landscape, industrial structure, and market demands of Laos. He underscored the strong bilateral relations between China and Laos, marked by deepening cooperation in trade and culture, which heightens the demand for bilingual and bicultural talents. Building a close partnership with SISU’s School of International Relations is seen as a strategic move to cultivate outstanding talents who are proficient in both Chinese and Lao languages and cultures, thereby promoting educational and cultural exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship, and achieving win-win outcomes.

Both parties agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding to formalize their collaboration, leveraging SISU’s membership in the New Western Land-Sea Corridor Think Tank Alliance. Prior to the signing of the cooperation agreement, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chongqing Representative Office will collaborate with SISU in preparing for the Chongqing Friendship City Conference. Mr. Yang also agreed to serve as an external mentor, contributing to the professional development and talent cultivation at the School of International Relations. Future cooperative efforts will include joint cultural exchange activities, short-term study programs, and collaborative research projects with Lao universities and educational institutions, fostering educational and cultural cooperation between China and Laos.