From December 6 to 13, the delegation of Yangzhou University led by President Ding Jianning visited France and Belgium. They successively held amiable talks and in-depth exchange with École Supérieure des Technologies Industrielles Avancées, Ecole de Savignac, Ecole Hôtelière du Périgord, Association Internationale de la Gastronomie Chinoise, Union des Cafés-Hôtels-Restaurants Asiatiques, as well as Université de Mons and Association Internationale de la Gastronomie Chinoise de Belgique. After the talk, the delegation arrived at consistent cooperative views and signed agreements with these universities and institutions.

During their stay in France, the delegation reached a high degree of consensus with the universities and institutions visited on the establishment of an international industry-education-research-application platform, scientific research cooperation and transformation, joint training of students, cultivation of Sino-French innovative catering talents, Chinese Cuisine Prosperity Program, and international university-enterprise cooperation mechanism. In addition, they also paid a special visit to the Chinese Embassy in France.

At the École Supérieure des Technologies Industrielles Avancées, Ding Jianning presented the history, disciplines and specialties of YZU, and hoped that the two sides can stimulate the exchange of students and faculties as well as scientific research cooperation in the fields including robotics, new energy, intelligent manufacturing, especially in the cultivation of outstanding engineers, the transformation of technological achievements, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship. After that, Ding Jianning signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with President Patxi Elissalde and visited the composites laboratory, robotics laboratory and business incubation center.

At the Ecole de Savignac, President Cyril Lanrezac accompanied the delegation of Ding Jianning to experience seminar class and immersion teaching program. Ding Jianning extended hopes to collaborate in cultivation of talents in the field of hospitality and practical teaching, in addition to sharing the college alliance resources in France and China.

At Ecole Hôtelière du Périgord, Ding Jianning signed a letter of intent on cooperation with President Catherine Ranoux, interacted with the Basque Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the construction of Sino-French innovative catering talent training bases and visited the practice and training sites for students.

The delegation also profoundly discussed with Chen Jianbin, Executive Chairman of Association Internationale de la Gastronomie Chinoise, and Huang Meina, President of Union des Cafés-Hôtels-Restaurants Asiatiques, on the overseas Chinese food prosperity plan, Chinese cuisine talent training and creative Chinese food promotion. The representative of School of Tourism and Cuisine signed a letter of intent with Chen Jianbin and Huang Meina, and hired them as adjunct professors of the School and the promotion ambassadors of overseas Chinese food prosperity. Local media of Le Pont, Nouvelles D'Europe and others reported the news.

At the Chinese Embassy in France, the delegation held a symposium with Zhou Jiagui, Minister Counselor of the Education Department of the Embassy. At the symposium, Ding Jianning showed the history of YZU, the development of disciplines, as well as the cooperation achievements and future plans with French universities and scientific research institutions. Besides, Zhou Jiagui raised constructive opinions and suggestions on the cooperation between Yangzhou University and higher institutions in France.

At the Université de Mons in Belgium, Ding Jianning pointed that this visit marked the continuation and deepening of the cooperation and interaction between the two sides. Furthermore, he hoped to expand the in-depth communication and cooperation between the two universities in various aspects through the mutual exchange of faculties and students, scientific research cooperation, and the construction of joint laboratories. What’s more, President Philippe Dubois reviewed the shared achievements between the two sides in talent cultivation, and especially praised the excellent quality of students from Yangzhou University. He also suggested to give full play to the merits of teaching and research of the two parties, effectively utilize the resources of both sides, and continue to deepen the exchanges and cooperation, so as to set up more and better development platforms for the faculties and students. After the meeting, the two parties signed a new round of cooperation memorandum of understanding and student exchange agreement. Ding Jianning also met with students of Yangzhou University studying in Mons University.

The delegation also carried out thorough discussion with Yang Gaijing, President of Association Internationale de la Gastronomie Chinoise de Belgique, on the overseas Chinese food prosperity plan, Chinese food talent training and creative Chinese food promotion. Hou Bing, dean of School of Tourism and Cuisine, signed a letter of intent with Yang Gaijing and hired him as an adjunct professor and a promotion ambassador for overseas Chinese food.

The heads of President Office, International Office, School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Information Engineering( College of Artificial Intelligence), and School of Tourism and Cuisine accompanied the visit.