Deploying the first activities of AURB

Also receiving the delegation were representatives of the Department of Oriental Studies, Tourism Studies, Vietnamese Studies and Vietnamese Language, the Center for Research on Development of Ethnic Minorities - Mountainous Areas and the Red River Basin, the Center for Chinese Studies, the Department of Scientific Research Management, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Training Cooperation.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh (left) and Cam Tuyet Xuan. (Photo: Trung Hieu sent to USSH)

In January 2014, at the first Forum of Rectors of Universities in the Red River Basin, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Hong Ha Academy initiated the establishment of the Association of Universities in the Red River Basin (AURB). Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh and Prof. Cam Tuyet Xuan were elected as Co-Chairs of the Association for the 2014-2016 term.

This working session between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Hong Ha Academy focused on discussing the specific steps of implementing the first cooperation between the two schools as well as between the member universities of AURB.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh proposed establishing representative offices of universities of the two countries to act as focal points for organizing joint activities and establishing an official website of AURB.

The Rector also emphasized three important activities that Vietnamese and Chinese universities need to aim for: one is to exchange lecturers and students between universities, expand scientific, cultural and artistic exchanges between Vietnamese and Chinese students; two is to coordinate the implementation of research topics on issues of mutual interest such as promoting cooperation in Southeast Asia, planning for the development of mountainous areas and ethnic minorities, research on economic, social and cultural exchanges of residents in border areas, sustainable tourism development, climate change, etc.; three is to coordinate the organization of international conferences, first of all, to participate in the international conference on the Red River basin which will take place in Lao Cai province this year.

Expressing her support for the above proposals, Prof. Cam Tuyet Xuan emphasized: The University of Social Sciences and Humanities is a university with strengths in research, and has been strongly participating in the development of the local and national economy and society. This is a favorable condition for AURB's cooperation activities, especially cooperation in scientific research.

Delegates took souvenir photos after the working session. (Photo: Trung Hieu sent to USSH)

The leaders of both sides agreed that AURB's activities will be planned, practical and effective, thereby helping to expand the number of members as well as the influence of the Association in the region.