Academic collaboration and exchanges and the holding of Indian film and food festivals were just a few of the items on the agenda on April 22, 2014, when the Indian Ambassador to China, Mr. Ashok K.Kantha, visited Ocean University of China (OUC).

Prof. Wu Dexing, president of OUC, briefed the Ambassador about the overview of OUC and its international exchange with other universities and research institutions.

“India and China are two large countries byland area and population. As the Indian Ocean exerts a strong influence on climatic change in both countries, it is a hot area for research by many Chinese marine meteorologists,” said President Wu.

With an attempt to promote academic exchange between the two sides, OUC has established a sound relationship with IIM SHILLONG, one of the 13 Indian Institutes of Management under the direct administration of the Indian government, and the cooperation has yielded many positive results, President Wu continued.

“This year will witness the holding of the India-China Year of Friendly Exchanges. I hope the Ambassador will actively promote a more comprehensive and stronger tie between OUC and its Indian counterparts,” said President Wu, adding that OUC is keen to participate in the Indian film and food festivals in July.

Ambassador Ashok K. Kantha stated his mission for this visit. He said under the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral collaboration in the fields of trade, culture, and tourism has enjoyed rapid development.

“The 2014 India-China Year of Friendly Exchanges provides us with a precious opportunity to enhance Sino-Indian relationships, and we will be happy to see OUC’s active role in this year’s activity,” he said.

The Ambassador also expressed his interest in promoting the further development of the Sino-Indian Executive Postgraduate Program between OUC and IIM SHILLONG.

Ambassador Kantha said he is willing to help OUC build academic ties with Indian universities in student and faculty exchanges, education, and research.

Madam Ning Aihua,dean of the School of International Education, also introduced the latest development of the Sino-Indian Executive Postgraduate Program to the Ambassador.

President Wu Dexing (R) presents a souvenir to Ambassador Kantha