Cultivating International Talents | The First Overseas Campus of Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College in Morocco

Under the active promotion of the Sino-North Africa Education Innovation Association, the first overseas branch of Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College—Yiwu Business School in Morocco—was officially established. On the afternoon of November 16th, a grand opening ceremony for the incoming class of 2023 was held. The ceremony was attended by the school president, Ma Guang, party committee member and vice president, Fan Yao, vice president Sheng Xiangjun, representatives from the International Affairs Office, Academic Affairs Office, and School of Foreign Languages and International Trade. Also present were teaching representatives from Yiwu Business School in Morocco, including Su Man, as well as the president of the Mundiapolis University, Mohammed Barkaoui, vice president Mouchawrab Samar, and dean of the School of Business, Lamia WAKRIM.

More than 150 individuals, including the incoming students majoring in International Economics and Trade at Yiwu Business School in Morocco for the academic year 2023, as well as representatives of both domestic and international students, participated in the opening ceremony either online or offline. The opening ceremony was presided over by Fan Yao.

Opening Ceremony of the 2023 freshmen at the Yiwu Business School in Morocco

At the commencement event, Ma Guang, the President of Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College, warmly welcomed the 26 new students majoring in International Economics and Trade at Yiwu Business School in Morocco. He expressed sincere gratitude for the strong support from the overseas school-building partners—Mundiapolis University and the Sino-North Africa Education Innovation Association. Highlighting the tenth anniversary of the "Belt and Road" initiative, President Ma Guang emphasized the mutually beneficial outcomes achieved through the initiative and underscored Morocco as the first North African country to sign a "Belt and Road" cooperation agreement with China. Emphasizing the school's mission to be rooted in Yiwu, serve the region, and extend internationally, Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College has successfully nurtured innovative and entrepreneurial talents, as well as internationally-oriented business and trade professionals. The establishment of the Yiwu Business School in Morocco fully integrates the resources of the Yiwu small commodity market and the education resources of the two schools, builds a bridge for education cooperation and teacher-student exchanges between the two regions, and provides language and culture, market procurement, cross-border e-commerce, entrepreneurship incubation, and other courses and practical platforms for young students who are interested in international trade and innovation and entrepreneurship activities. It aims to cultivate international talents for the development of Sino Moroccan economic and trade.

Professor Mohammed Barkaoui, the President of the Mundiapolis University, expressed gratitude for the strong support from Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College in fostering close cooperation between the two institutions. In the era of globalization, international educational exchanges and cooperation are crucial for students' growth. The establishment of Yiwu Business School in Morocco marks the beginning of excellent collaboration between Moroccan and Chinese universities, promoting cultural exchanges, facilitating the cross-cultural growth and skill development of youth from both countries. The "2+1 (2 years of study in Morocco + 1 year of study in Yiwu)" talent development model implemented by Yiwu Business School in Morocco is expected to enhance mutual understanding and economic ties between the two nations. Professor Barkaoui looks forward to deep collaboration between the two institutions in talent development, faculty exchange, and research cooperation, leading to fruitful outcomes.

Speaking on behalf of the teaching staff, Su Man expressed honor and a sense of responsibility for their involvement in the construction of Yiwu Business School in Morocco, curriculum development, and teaching responsibilities. Faced with the strong enthusiasm and high expectations of the 2023 class of International Economics and Trade students at Yiwu Business School in Morocco, the teaching team is committed to meticulous course preparation and rigorous teaching methods. Their goal is to facilitate educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries, contributing to the development of international trade talents needed for Sino-Moroccan economic and trade development.

Representing the 2023 class of International Economics and Trade majors at Yiwu Business School in Morocco, student representative Benzyat Rabab expressed great excitement about becoming part of the inaugural group. Recognizing China as a dynamically developing economic powerhouse, she highlighted the program's benefits in learning Chinese language and culture while enhancing international trade skills. The project is seen as a valuable platform for expanding career development opportunities. Students are highly appreciative of this learning opportunity and are determined to study diligently, acquire knowledge, enhance skills, and create a promising future.

In conclusion, Ma Guang, the President of Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College, officially announced the commencement of classes at Yiwu Business School in Morocco.

In response to the national "Belt and Road" initiative and to further promote the internationalization of education, Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College has collaborated sincerely with the Sino-North Africa Education Innovation Association to successfully establish the "Yiwu Business School in Morocco." This marks the first overseas branch of Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College, which has initially enrolled 26 students majoring in International Economics and Trade. The subsequent phases will offer advantageous specialty programs such as e-commerce and big data technology to Moroccan students. The establishment of this branch aligns with national strategies such as the "Belt and Road" initiative, "Double High-levels Plan" and other policy propositions. It represents a significant initiative under the new model of "co-consultation, co-construction, co-research, co-sharing, and mutual benefit," aiming to propel Chinese education onto the global stage, thereby enhancing the international influence and leadership of China's education.