——The Launch of Cooperation Between the School of Foreign Studies and Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC) of Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS)

On December 18th, the School of Foreign Studies (SFS) of Jiangnan University engaged with the International Cooperation and Education Division of Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC) of Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS) for the first time.

Leading a delegation comprising SFS Vice Dean Xie Jingxian, English Department Chair Yang Yong, the liaison teacher Cao Dan, and others, SFS Dean Fang Wenkai visited the International Cooperation Center of FFRC. They toured its exhibition corridor under the guidance of Dr. Ye Wei, gaining preliminary insights into the center’s development history.

Then, Jing Xiaojun, the director of FFRC’s International Cooperation and Education Division, and Zhong Chunyi, the secretary of FFRC’s Youth League Committee warmly received the SFS delegation. Jing Xiaojun provided a detailed overview of the division’s business scope, including academic education, international cooperation platforms, training programs at home and abroad, and so on. According to his introduction, FFRC serves as a training reference base for aquaculture and inland fishery research by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. It maintains close ties with the World Fish Center (WFC), the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), and other international organizations. In line with its fundamental principles of actively responding to the Belt and Road Initiative, FFRC supports South-South cooperation and assists in developing countries’ fishery sector growth. Jing Xiaojun highlighted that international cooperation projects require interdisciplinary talents with linguistic expertise, knowledge of aquaculture, and excellent communication skills. In this regard, Fang Wenkai introduced some SFS plans for the construction of new liberal arts and interdisciplinary talent cultivation, particularly emphasizing the expansion of interdisciplinary learning and industrial collaboration in talent cultivation. He expressed that SFS is willing to serve as a strong discipline unit in neighboring institutions and work collaboratively to promote China’s advanced technology dissemination and international exchange.

Both parties verbally agreed to gradually carry out cooperation through possible international platforms and international training programs while supporting each other and deepening mutual understanding to enhance the depth and breadth of their partnership. Jing Xiaojun stated: “We have always maintained close cooperation with Jiangnan University’s superior majors. This expansion of cross-cooperation between our two institutions will further strengthen our relationship.”