Minister and Ambassador witness Loughborough College signing at major China event

The UK’s Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion and Her Majesty’s Ambassador to China have today witnessed the signing of an agreement with Loughborough College which sets a path to a new global partnership.

Baroness Fairhead and Ambassador Woodward joined Loughborough College for a ceremony at the Silk Road International Expo in Xi’an formalising an agreement worth more than £1 million to support apprenticeship delivery and enhance vocational education in China.

The Memorandum Of Understanding signed by Loughborough College CEO John Doherty and Dongguan Polytechnic Executive Principal Yimin Zhu marks plans for a partnership between the College and polytechnics and colleges across the city of Dongguan.

Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion, Baroness Fairhead, said:

UK exports to China are growing strongly, but it’s clear that there is still vast untapped demand for British goods and services in the Chinese market.

The Belt and Road initiative is creating opportunities for British businesses across Asia, such as this agreement between Loughborough and the city of Dongguan, and the Department for International Trade will continue to offer support through Trade Missions, our award winning credit agency UK Export Finance and GREAT.gov.uk.”

Loughborough College CEO John Doherty said:

I am delighted that our relationship with Dongguan Polytechnic, Dongguan City and local government officials enables us to sign a high-level agreement during the UK Silk Road Trade Expo, witnessed by Ambassador Woodward and Baroness Fairhead.

Following our seminar at Dongguan Polytechnic highlighting Loughborough College’s outstanding-rated apprenticeships we travelled together to the Expo to further progress our partnership.”

Joining John Doherty, Loughborough College Director of Business Development Gemma Knott and Executive Principal Zhu from Dongguan were Jiongran Chen, Deputy Director of the Educational Administration Office, Weiwei Li, Deputy Director of the Vocational Education Research Centre and International Department Officer Ningqun Ding.

Gemma Knott added:

We have been working with Dongguan Polytechnic and the City since November 2017 to support them in their dedication to become an international centre for technical skills.

Through its five year strategy, Loughborough College has been focused on developing in-country provision and consultancy support for other colleges across the world.

The College has a passion, corporate social responsibility and mission to export its best practise in a sustainable way to enable high quality education globally.”

Chairman of Midlands Engine, Sir John Peace, said:

Loughborough College and the Midlands region are natural partners to China.

The Midlands education and business sectors continue to build upon the already thriving relationships we have with several provinces and major cities.

The Midlands Engine is leading the way in generating targeted and sustainable growth from opportunities in China and beyond, benefitting the Midlands and wider UK economy.”