Building links with China - Chevening scholars and Lib Dem Minister have a lot in common

Liberal Democrat Minister of State Jeremy Browne took delight in opening a reception last night at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the Chevening Young Leader's Programme. He stressed the need for better links between our countries and some of the positive work and activities which are already undertaken.

In particular he highlighted his own experiences as a graduate of Nottingham University, whose China campus he had recently visited.

The Chevening Young Leader's Programme itself is a 13 week training programme for Chinese mid-career professionals selected by the All China Youth Federation (ACYF), and delivered by the China Policy Institute at the Nottingham's School of Contemporary Chinese Studies. The programme has been specially tailored by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the ACYF showing how important the links are.

The aim of the programme is to promote understanding between the UK and China on key issues and universal values, focusing on three core topics:

• The Economics of Climate Change
• Government Relations with NGOs and Civil Society
• Reform, Regulation and Public Service Provision.

The programme consists of study visits, extra-curricular activities and guest lectures, which enables the participants to be exposed to best practices in the UK, and given plenty of opportunities to engage with British institutions.