On November 8, upon the invitation of Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), H.E. Lan Lijun, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, delivered a keynote speech on China's education reform and China-Canada education exchange and cooperation at the opening ceremony of Canada-China Education Partnership Forum, followed by a statement by Hon. Diane McGifford, Manitoba Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy, Chair of Council of Ministers of Education of Canada. Also present at the Forum were Mr. Peter Harder, President of Canada-China Business Council, Ms. Karen McBride, President of CBIE, Ms. Margaux Beland, Director of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada along with over 150 representatives from universities and educational institutions across Canada as well as Chinese educational officials and presidents of around 20 renowned Chinese universities. Minister Counselor of Education, Mr. Chen Wenshen of the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa also attended the opening ceremony.

Ambassador Lan briefed the audience about China's great achievements in education since the founding of the People's Republic of China over the past 60 years, particularly since the reform and opening up 30 years ago, pointing out that China values its tradition of respecting teachers and prioritizing education. The Chinese Government consistently follows the national strategy of "rejuvenating the country through science and education" and puts education at the top of its agenda. Quality of Education in China has been tremendously improved by opening up the education system, increasing input and enforcing sound measures and regulations. A nine-year education from age 7 to 15 is now compulsory. Education in China is at a new historical starting point and about to enter a new stage for further development.

Ambassador Lan noted that the opening of the education system is crucial to what China has achieved on this front. As China's education partnership with other countries deepens, an open education scheme has taken shape. China has established educational exchanges and partnerships with 188 countries and regions and signed agreements of mutual recognition of certificates and academic degrees with 34 countries and regions. By the end of 2008, 305 Confucius Institutes and Classrooms have been in operation in 78 countries and regions.

In his speech, Ambassador Lan commended the smooth and expanding cooperation between China and Canada in education since the inauguration of China-Canada diplomatic relations 39 years ago. A series of Memoranda of Understanding and programs have been put into practice to encourage closer contact and diversify interaction between the educational institutions and authorities of the two countries. The teaching and learning of the Chinese language also brought students and academia in China and Canada together. Canada is now one of Chinese students' favorite overseas destinations for higher education.

Ambassador Lan stressed that the growth of China-Canada education partnership is largely attributed to the friendship between the Chinese and Canadian people. Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of China-Canada diplomatic relationship. The two countries should seize this opportunity to promote their friendly relations. China is willing to work with Canada to review the past and plan for the future from a strategic and long-term perspective and develop the friendship and education cooperation between the two countries.

After the opening ceremony, Ambassador Lan met with CMEC Chair Hon. Diane McGifford and exchanged views on strengthening China-Canada educational cooperation, exchange and mutual visits.

Canada-China Education Partnership Forum was initiated by CBIE and China Education Association for International Exchange.