MEDIA RELEASE
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Minister for Foreign Affairs The Hon Alexander Downer MP Minister For Vocational and Technical Education The Hon Gary Hardgrave MP
More than 40 Australian and 160 Chinese vocational education and training (VET) experts have gathered at a forum in Chongqing, China, today to develop and exchange policy ideas for the future of vocational education in China.
The Sino-Australia Vocational Education and Training (VET) Forum is jointly hosted by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) and the Chinese Government.
'The Chinese Government is currently reforming its VET system and holds Australia's experience in high regard, so this is an opportunity to exchange views and help to shape the formulation and implementation of China's VET policy,' the Hon Alexander Downer, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs said.
'The aim of the Forum is to generate significant policy input to the China State Council National VET Conference that will be held later this year.
'The Forum is supported by the Australian Government through the $19 million AusAID-funded Australia-China (Chongqing) VET Project. This project is assisting the Chinese Ministry of Education to improve the quality and relevance of VET through pilot activities in 30 schools in Chongqing,' Mr Downer said.
The Hon Gary Hardgrave, MP, Minister for Vocational and Technical Education attended and addressed the Forum, along with Madam Wu Qidi, China's Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Education.
'We have a wealth of knowledge and a strong track record of innovation in vocational education and training which is valued by China,' Mr Hardgrave said. 'Importantly, this Forum will provide a great opportunity to build stronger linkages between our VET institutions.
'This Forum follows the success of a previous event held in November 2003 and will set the platform for further engagement, building greater recognition of Australia's VET model at senior levels in China.'
DEST has sent a delegation of senior representatives who will share their experience and expertise.
Support for vocational education and training is only one aspect of Australia's development assistance to China. Australia will deliver an estimated $46.2 million in Official Development Assistance to China in 2005-06, as the two nations continue to find innovative ways to promote development outcomes.
Media contacts
Mr Downer's Office: Chris Kenny 0419 206 890
Mr Hardgrave's Office: Suzanne Ferguson 0402 896 100
AusAID Public Affairs: 0417 680 590