LONDON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Further progress on university links are a key part of a golden age for British-Chinese relations, the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) said in a major report Monday.
The CBI, regarded as Britain's biggest organisation for bosses, stressed the importance of the links in its latest report, "Bridges to the future: the role of universities in the UK-China relationship."
The organisation said that as Britain shapes its economic role in the world following the EU referendum, cementing its position will be more crucial than ever.
In a statement issued by the CBI's headquarters in London, the organisation said: "China's increasing research and economic significance, and the UK's world-leading universities, with their growing range of links with China, provide key assets for deepening UK-China relations still further."
The new report, compiled in collaboration with Middlesex University London, revealed that there were already 950 programs of transnational education operating in China, enabling more than 57,000 students in China to study towards UK qualifications each year.
Not only this, adds the CBI, but nearly 90,000 students from the Chinese mainland study at British universities, more than one-fifth of all international students in Britain.
The report profiles examples of successful partnerships, where companies, universities and governments have come together to support education, innovation and the economy.
Guy Dru-Drury, CBI head of China Office, said: "The links between our two countries are extraordinarily diverse and higher education institutions across a wide range of disciplines lie at the heart of this."
"With higher education a top priority for China, the vibrant range of existing research partnerships, high-quality teaching and business incubators demonstrate how both nations can benefit from a closer working relationship," said Dru-Drury.
Professor Tim Blackman, vice chancellor, Middlesex University London, said: "At Middlesex University London we enjoy strong links with China and welcome a large number of Chinese students every year who have access to courses that are designed to meet the needs of modern business."
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