On the afternoon of March 21, Nanyang Normal University hosted a cooperation exchange meeting with a delegation from Asti Province, Piedmont Region, Italy, in the conference room on the third floor of the Science and Technology Building. Attendees included Maurizio Rasero, Governor of Asti Province and Mayor of Asti City; Li Peng, Member of the Standing Committee of Nanyang Municipal Party Committee and Secretary-General; Zhang Baofeng, Secretary of the Party Committee of Nanyang Normal University; Liu Honglin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee; Vice Presidents Xiong Xinzhong, Wang Yan, and Xie Haiquan; Heads of relevant functional offices and schools; as well as faculty representatives from the Italian Veosuto Chinese Workshop and delegates from both sides. The meeting was chaired by Liu Honglin.  

Zhang Baofeng extended a warm welcome to the Piedmont delegation and reviewed the rapid progress in educational cooperation since his first meeting with Governor Maurizio Rasero in 2023. As a core achievement, the Italian Veosuto Chinese Workshop project has made significant strides, with plans to establish an innovative Chinese+Vocational education platform involving talents in electromechanical engineering and international Chinese education. Zhang expressed his hope for the early inauguration of the workshop, which would serve as a bridge to deepen educational collaboration and foster cultural exchanges and friendly relations between China and Italy.

In his speech, Li Peng highlighted Nanyang’s openness from both historical and modern perspectives, noting its status as the hometown of the Sage of Medicine and the source of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Quoting the ancient saying, “Those who share the same aspirations are not separated by mountains or seas; those who are of one mind are not limited by time or distance”, he emphasized the philosophy of friendly development. Li affirmed that the Nanyang Municipal Party Committee and Government would continue to support international cooperation in higher education, promoting the Chinese Workshop as a bond for people-to-people connectivity between China and Italy.  

Maurizio Rasero praised Nanyang Normal University’s sincerity in cooperation, stating that their interactions had established a friendship based on “mutual recognition, understanding, respect, trust, and win-win collaboration.” He expressed confidence that the Chinese Workshop would build a knowledge bridge spanning the Apennines and Funiu Mountains and pledged to deepen cooperation in areas such as teacher training and cultural exchanges.  

During the gift exchange ceremony, representatives from both sides presented tokens symbolizing cultural heritage. Nanyang Normal University gifted an artwork inspired by Han Dynasty rubbings, while the Asti delegation presented the city’s emblem and an honorary certificate.  

Following the meeting, the delegation visited the training center of the School of Intelligent Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, observing featured courses such as 3D printing and industrial robotics, and engaging in technical discussions with faculty and students. Laura Bergonzi, director of Asti’s Education Bureau, remarked, “Nanyang Normal University’s integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern technical education is exemplary and worth learning from.”  

This visit marks a new phase in bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Both parties agreed to use the Chinese Workshop as a starting point to expand collaboration in art education, intelligent manufacturing, and other fields through mutual visits and exchanges.  

Written by: Xu Lingzhen  

Photos by: Zhang Yingfang

Source: NYNU News (Chinese)

https://www.nynu.edu.cn/info/1122/29463.htm