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The University of Ghana (UG) and Hebei University of Economics and Business (HUEB) in China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a Confucius Institute in Ghana. The MOU will seek to foster closer collaboration between the two institutions of higher learning as well as encourage the exchange of information on education, culture, business and society. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. E. K. Osam, and the President of HUEB, Mr. Ji Lianggang, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions. Welcoming the delegation to the University Prof. Osam, said the University was excited about the collaboration with HUEB which should be �one of the first� with higher institutions on the Asian continent. He expressed optimism about a productive relationship which will benefit students and faculty of both institutions, and the two countries ultimately. He hoped that the collaboration would not only be in the teaching and study of the Chinese Language, but also in other areas of study. The Dean of International Programmes, Prof. Naa Ayikailey Adamafio, noted that even though in the past few years the University has received a number of proposals from Chinese universities for the establishment of a Confucius Institute, the request from HUEB was considered in view of HUEBB�s high reputation. She said UG presently collaborates with higher institutions in Europe, the United States and Canada, and was willing to expand its links to Universities in Asia as well. In his response, Mr. Lianggang expressed excitement at the partnership, adding that HUEBB already had agreements with universities in 26 countries worldwide for faculty and student exchange as well as research, including institutions in many African countries. He noted that in addition to enhancing the study of the Chinese Language in the University, they would also be exploring other areas of collaboration in programmes in Business, Commerce and Law. He extended an invitation to the management of the University for a visit to HUEB. The ceremony was witnessed by the Registrar, Mr. J.M. Budu, the Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Kwame Domfeh, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Rev. Prof. Cephas Omenyo, Head of the Department of Modern Languages, Dr. Cosmos Badasu, and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Economics, Mr. T. O. Antwi-Asare. Members of the Chinese delegation included, Messrs Wang Qingyan and Weng Dazhang, both staff of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, Prof. Cheng Jiang and Mr. Fan Guoping of the International Affairs Department at HUEB.