One outstanding program available in Northwest Indiana is the newly established Confucius Institute at Valparaiso University. Confucius Institutes are non-profit public institutes with the goal of promoting a friendly relationship with other countries and enhancing the understanding of the Chinese language and culture among world Chinese learners as well as providing good learning conditions for them. All Confucius Institutes have a Chinese university partner to assist with Institute organization and oversight. Valparaiso University’s partner is Zheijang University of Technology, a public institution of approximately 35,000 students.
Recently, the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation hosted a breakfast seminar for businesses who are interested in trading with and doing business in China. Guests included Deputy Consul Maoming Chu from the Peoples Republic of China Consulate in Chicago. At the presentation, guests were also entertained by members of the Jiangsu Silk and Bamboo Troupe from Nanjing, China.
There are several companies in and around the greater Valparaiso area that have extensive business ties with China. Our community benefits from international sales in the Far East and we are excited to have access to an even better understanding and knowledge through the Confucius Institute.
For more information on Valparaiso University’s Confucius Institute, visit www.valpo.edu/confuciusinstitute.
Rex G. Richards, President