Ivy Tech China Blog – Day 7–May 17, 2008
Welcome to the Ivy Tech China Blog for the trade delegation from Northwest Indiana –
Day 7 was the last day before we departed for Shenyang & then onto Beijing to fly home to Chicago. The morning of May 17th was full of excitement as we prepared to witness the signing of the Sister’s city agreement between Fuxin, Liaoning Province, China and Gary, Indiana of the United States. The conference room of the Fuxin Guest house was crowded by approximately 75 to 85 participants including dignitaries from the Liaoning Province, the City of Fuxin, Liaoning Technical University and the mayor of Gary Indiana. The conference center had a large banner (see photo) indicating the agreement & historical signing. Speakers for the province, city of Fuxin, city of Gary indicated their commitment to exchange ideas & share best practices for economic development to help each of them. The signing of the document lived up to the hype as all participants were excited about seeing how the cities can help their residents from China & the United States as we share how each city can improve and help it’s sister. (see photo)
During the second signing ceremony I signed an international agreement (see attached) with Liaoning Technical University in Fuxin, Liaoning Province, China, as the representative for the college. This agreement was signed by Shao Liangshan, Vice President/Liaoning Technical University. Witnessing this agreement was Dr. Xu Ping – Director of Foreign Affairs/ Liaoning Technical University, Mayor Rudy Clay, Ross Horano, Jenny Guo and the 22 members of the Northwest Indiana Trade Delegation. The signing followed the Sister City Agreement that included numerous Chinese dignitaries from the provincial & Fuxin government offices. I met with Liaoning Technical University on Friday & expressed an interest of the college to enter into the agreement. Liaoning Technical University has asked if we have the following: 1) an international student exchange program, 2) interest to have our students attend their university, 3) continued discussions & agreements about curriculum and transfer of credit, 4) ESL (english as a second language) programs for Chinese speaking students, 5) possible faculty exchange programs, etc. Liaoning Technical University has over 28,000 students. Dr. Krewsie Aggrey/Vice Chancellor/Academic Affairs/IUN & Denise Dillard/Vice President/Methodist Hospitals also met at the university to discuss their interests & potential agreements.
I’ve included a picture from the ceremony and others.
Tomorrow is our long travel day as we make our way from Shenyang to Beijing & then onto Chicago.
Below is the itinerary for Sunday:
Day 8 – Sunday, May 18th
Morning Breakfast at Shenyang hotel –
Board bus for Shenyang
Fly Shenyang to Beijing
Fly Beijing to Chicago
Attached photos – # 1244 – sister city signage – 25ft x 25ft -
# 1254 – Mayor Clay after agreement is signed
# 1260 – presentation of the key to City of Gary –Fuxin Guest House
# 1263 - signing agreement/ Liaoning Technical College- Fuxin Guest
House
# 1271- downtown Fuxin with bicycle cab
