By: Robert
Kwaku Annor
Benin and China have
discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation in higher education,
scientific research and technical training, with a focus on skills development,
student mobility, innovation and emerging technologies.
The discussions took place when
Benin’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in charge of
Technical Training, Dr Sèdami Medegan Fagla, received a delegation from the
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Benin led by Minister-Counsellor
Shen Si.
The meeting provided an
opportunity for both sides to exchange views on China’s support for Benin’s
education and training sector and discuss prospects for consolidating bilateral
cooperation in these areas.
As part of the cooperation,
China is supporting Benin in strengthening student mobility through assistance
for the development of university transport. The support has contributed to the
provision of buses recently put into service for students from Benin’s four
public universities.
China-Benin cooperation also
includes scholarships and training opportunities designed to enable young
Beninese to strengthen their skills in fields considered important to the
future, including artificial intelligence, robotics and emerging technologies.
The two sides also discussed
prospects for cooperation in technical and vocational training, with the aim of
strengthening the skills of young people and preparing them for labour market
needs and ongoing technological transformation.
At the meeting, Shen Si
praised the quality of relations between China and Benin and reaffirmed China’s
willingness to continue and strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Higher
Education and Scientific Research, in charge of technical training.
Minister Sèdami Medegan
Fagla stressed the importance of the cooperation in supporting Benin’s
ambitions in skills development, innovation, research and youth training.
