New Confucius Institute to elevate Laos-China understanding

The links between Laos and China are expected to grow even stronger with the handover of the new Confucius Institute at the National University of Laos (NUOL) in the capital on Wednesday.
The Confucius Institute will become a model project in promoting people-to-people exchanges between Laos and China, and encourage locals to learn Chinese language and study its technology to gain a greater understanding of the northern neighbour, therefore contributing to Laos’ socio-economic development.

The handover ceremony took place at the new building in Dongdok village, Xaythany district and was attended by Lao Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun, President of the National University of Laos, Prof. Dr Somsy Gnophanxay, Chinese Ambassador to Laos, Mr Jiang Zaidong and Former Chief Executive of Confucius Institute Headquarters, Ms Xu Lin.
Construction of the new building began on September 1, 2017, and was completed within 20 months in April this year. The project is valued at over 97 billion kip (76,900,000 Chinese Yuan) supported by grant assistance from the Chinese government.
The Confucius Institute building is three storeys high and has full facilities for lecturers and students such as an office, lecturer apartments, club and toilets. The institute will able to accommodate over 5,000 students. The project covers an area of 15,600 square metres.
The new facility will help improve teaching quality at the institute in NUOL and serve as an vital cooperation measure in education and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun said “The Confucius Institute will become the information source, as well as a research, study and exchange centre for students who want to learn Chinese language and culture and study in China.”
“In educational assistance, the Chinese government has been providing 300 scholarships each year to Lao students and additional funds to provinces and universities,” she said.
Prof. Dr Somsy said the NUOL was grateful for the long-term support from the Chinese government and people as well as the local Chinese business sector, especially the Chinese Embassy hand over of buses for educational use and the provision of scholarships to students every year.
The Confucius Institute at the National University of Laos was established in March 2010.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update June 28, 2019)