A RUC delegation led by Prof. Cheng Tianquan, Chairman of the University Council, visited Vietnam National University-Hanoi, Vietnam National Economics University, University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Hochiminh City, Thammasat University in Thailand and Jawaharlal Nehru University in India from Nov.19th to 27th, 2009.

On Nov.19th, the RUC delegation visited Vietnam National University-Hanoi (VNU). As one of the firstly founded modern universities in Vietnam, VNU has a special position in Vietnam higher educational system and serves as the biggest comprehensive educational institution and research center in Vietnam. Prof. Nguyen Hong Son, Vice Rector of VNU and professor of International Economics, Prof. Nguyen Quoc Viet, Director of Research, Cooperation and Development Department and professor of development economics, Prof. Pham Van Dung, Dean of School of Political Economics, met with the RUC delegation. Both sides had a meeting discussing on the faculty and student exchanges and joint research and exchanged views on the theories and practices of Socialist market economy. Prof. Cheng expressed that VNU and RUC could have a broad platform to jointly develop research in political economics and might strengthen cooperation through joint organization of academic conference, visiting scholars and joint researches.

On Nov.19th, the RUC delegation visited Vietnam National Economics University (VNEU) that is the biggest base for cultivation of senior economic and business administrative personnel in Vietnam. Many of its alumni are taking important positions in Government bodies and large enterprises. Prof. Nguyen Van Nam, President of VNEU and Prof. Tran Tho Dat, Vice-President of VNEU, met with the RUC delegation and had a meeting on further strengthening bilateral cooperation. Prof. Cheng highly praised the current collaboration between VNEU and RUC, and hoped to develop a closer relation in economics and administration to achieve a win-win result. Prof. Nguyen Van Nam quite agreed with his proposal and said that VNEU had always paid great attention to the cooperation with RUC and would like to further improve the collaborative level. Both sides also researched a consensus on renewing bilateral agreement and detailed plan of implementation.

On Nov.23rd, the RUC delegation visited University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Hochiminh City (USSH). As one of the Vietnam state universities, USSH serves as the lead in humanities and social sciences. Prof. Truong Thi Kim Chuyen, Vice-Rector of USSH, and Mr. Bang Anh Tuan, Director of the Office of International Cooperation, met with the delegation. Prof. Cheng said that USSH and RUC were both famous for their humanities and should increase the cooperation and exchanges of students regarding social sciences. USSH representatives showed great interest in RUC International Summer School Program and would like to send their students to RUC.

On Nov.25th, the RUC delegation visited Thammasat University, Thailand. As one of the oldest universities in Thailand, Thammasat has a high reputation in the educational system of Thailand. Prof. Surapon Nitikraipot, Rector of Thammasat, warmly welcomed the RUC delegation and had a long meeting with Prof. Cheng. Both sides exchanged views on promoting substantial cooperation, visiting scholars, student exchange, personnel training, and reached the collaborative intents on the application for program fund from bilateral government or non-government organizations by a joint research team, and joint organization of international academic conferences.

On Nov.26th, the RUC delegation visited Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), India. Named after Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minister of India, JNU is a leading university in teaching capability and integral strength among Indian universities. Prof. Ramadhikari Kumar, Rector II of JNU, warmly welcomed the RUC delegation, introduced the development and disciplinary characteristics of JNU, and would like to increase cooperation with RUC. Prof. Cheng expressed that JNU and RUC might establish a collaborative platform by taking the study of India and China as a starting point so as to develop academic communication, student exchange, and topical researches in the future.

This November, the RUC delegation’s visit proved to be a fruitful one. On the one hand, the delegation emphasized on promotion of RUC’s disciplinary features and advantages, International Summer School Program and English Master Degree Programs; on the other hand, they expanded the cooperation channels with top universities in India, Thailand and Vietnam. During the visit, RUC renewed the agreements with Vietnam National Economics University, University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Hochiminh City, Thammasat University and established an initial cooperative relation with Vietnam National University-Hanoi and Jawaharlal Nehru University.

During the visit in Vietnam, the RUC delegation held a reception hosting nearly 40 Vietnam alumni of RUC. Many of the Vietnam alumni are serving in the important bodies of Government, making great contribution for the politics, economy and culture of Vietnam, and have being playing a significant role in promoting Sino-Vietnam friendly relationship. Prof. Cheng Tianquan expressed his warm greeting and heartfelt gratitude to all the Vietnam alumni of RUC.

The delegation also got great support by China Embassies to Thailand and India. Mr. Guan Mu, China Ambassador to Thailand, met with Prof. Cheng and his delegation. Dr. Luo Zongzheng, President of Association for Teachers of Chinese Language in Thailand and RUC alumnus, also offered much assistance for the delegation.

The RUC delegation members included Prof. Gao Debu, Director of University Office for Senior Administrative Personnel, Prof. Tang Zhong, Director of RUC International Office, Prof. Chen Yue, Senior Deputy Dean of RUC School of International Studies, Prof. Wang Xiaojun, Chairman of RUC School of Statistics, Associate Prof. Jiang Xiaoli from RUC School of Foreign Languages, Mr. Li Jiafu, Assistant to Chairman of University Council and Deputy Director of RUC President’s Office.