The University of Costa Rica Welcomes a Delegation from the Shijiazhuang Municipal Government and Hebei University of International Studies (HFSU)

A significant Chinese delegation visited our academic institution to strengthen Costa Rica-China relations.

 

By: Rodrigo Martínez

Photos: Kuok Wa Chao Chao

 

San José, Costa Rica - August 16th. The University of Costa Rica received a visit from an important Chinese delegation aiming to discuss relations between the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and Hebei University of International Studies (HFSU), as well as the Municipality of Shijiazhuang and the Municipality of Montes de Oca. The visit aimed to foster mutual understanding, strengthen relationships, and identify cooperation possibilities through UCR in areas like Spanish, Biomedicine, and Artificial Intelligence.

 

The meeting was presided over by the Rector of the University of Costa Rica, Mr. Gustavo Gutiérrez Espeleta, accompanied by the Vice-Rector of Research, Mrs. María Laura Arias Echandi, Director of the Office for the Promotion of Innovation and Development Linkage (DIPROVID), Mr. Alberto Cortés Ramos, Head of the Office of International Affairs and External Cooperation (OAICE), Mrs. Diana Senior Angulo, and the Director and Co-Director of the Confucius Institute, Mr. Kuok Wa Chao Chao and Mrs. Mai Qiulin, respectively.

 

The Chinese delegation was led by the Mayor of the Shijiazhuang Municipal People's Government, Mr. Ma Yujun, Deputy Permanent Director of the High and New Technology District Management Committee of Shijiazhuang City, Mr. Wan Shujun, Director of the Commerce Department of Shijiazhuang City, Mr. Liu Chundong, Director of the Government's Foreign Affairs Office, Mrs. Quan Hui, President and Rector of Hebei University of International Studies, Mr. Sun Jianzhong, Vice President and Executive Rector of Hebei University of International Studies, Mrs. Xi Wei, and Vice Rector of Hebei University of International Studies, Mr. Yang Zhen.

 

During the discussions, participants highlighted the mutual importance of China and Latin America, particularly reflected in the trade relations between the two regions. Additionally, it was noted that there is still ample space to strengthen bilateral relations, but first, some significant barriers, such as language and geographical distance, must be overcome.

 

The Chinese delegation was invited to visit the laboratories of the Center for Research in Human Movement Sciences (CIMOHU), the Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems Research Laboratory (PRIS-Lab), and the Robotics Laboratory (ARCOS-Lab).

 

It is noteworthy that the visiting delegation also held meetings with other institutions, such as the Municipality of Montes de Oca, with which it will sign a city twinning agreement, as well as the Costa Rican Foreign Ministry and the University for Peace.

 

General Characteristics of the Shijiazhuang Municipal Government

 

The city of Shijiazhuang is a relatively young city, established in 1939, which became the capital of Hebei Province in 1968. Currently, it has a population of over 11 million inhabitants. It is one of the most significant industrial centers in Northern China and the most important in Hebei Province. Its economic growth process was strengthened thanks to the construction of the Zhengding-Taiyuan and Beijing-Hankou railways, boosting regional trade. The textile, computer, pharmaceutical, chemical, and material construction industries are the main sources of development for the city.

 

General Characteristics of HFSU

 

Hebei Foreign Studies University (HFSU) is a private university, established in 2012 and located in Shijiazhuang city. It covers an area of 1,828,700 square meters, has 15 schools, and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It has a student population of around 20,000 people. Additionally, it has a diverse academic staff, including foreign professors, specialized professors with master's and doctoral degrees, international experts, and distinguished scientific researchers who have implemented national and international research projects. HFSU's main areas of specialization are related to foreign languages and international studies; it has also incorporated other disciplines such as nursing, engineering, tourism, and business.

 

Currently, the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and HFSU have an active international cooperation agreement, allowing the mobility of students and academic staff.

 

It is reminded that the Confucius Institute (IC-UCR) is a public institution formed by the University of Costa Rica, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), and the China Foundation for International Education (CIEF), in collaboration with Renmin University of China (RUC); its main focuses are the dissemination of the Mandarin language and Chinese culture; in addition, social action is also a fundamental part of the Institute's work.

 

Contact for more information: Rodrigo Martínez

Communication Officer, Confucius Institute

Email: comunicacion.confucio@ucr.ac.cr

Website: http://institutoconfucio.ucr.ac.cr/

Phone: 2511-6870