New Zealand looks to extend science, engineering research links with China

The New Zealand government on Monday lent its support to talks to step up collaboration between top-ranking universities in New Zealand and China.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce met with senior representatives of China's prestigious Tsinghua University and China's western Qinghai University during talks with the University of Auckland.

Tsinghua University Council Chairperson Professor Chen Xu and Qinghai University President Professor Wang Guangqian and their delegations met with University of Auckland executives for talks on the "Three Brothers" partnership, which was established in 2007 and is due to expire in August next year.

The delegations would continue discussions on the trilateral partnership to develop new collaborative projects in science and engineering, said vice-chancellor of the University of Auckland Professor Stuart McCutcheon.

"We strongly value our close relationship with both Tsinghua and Qinghai Universities, a collaboration we see as having real potential benefits for both China and New Zealand's future," McCutcheon said in a statement.

"All three universities are focused on excellence in research and innovation and we have much to share with, and to gain from, each other."

Professor Wei Gao, of the University of Auckland's Faculty of Engineering, said Tsinghua University was the number one science and engineering university in China, and the relationship between the three universities was a close one.

"Our partnership with Tsinghua University is also about supporting the on-going development and success of Qinghai University and is an excellent example of how international collaboration can work for the benefit of all parties," he said in the statement. Endit