University trains China Mayors

Monday, 19 November 2007

The University of Adelaide is providing a unique executive training program this week to a high-level delegation of potential future leaders in China, one of the world's fastest growing economies.

In conjunction with the State Government, the University's Institute for International Trade will host 27 Chinese mayors and senior government officials from Beijing in an intensive seven-day course.

The delegation will learn about how Adelaide and South Australia manage city planning and urban development, public transport, public tendering, waste management and sustainable practices and planning for an ageing population.

It is the second year that the Institute has offered the training program to a Chinese delegation of senior officials.

Deputy Premier Kevin Foley said the Mayors' Program provided an opportunity to build on the strong economic and social ties between South Australia and China by connecting the delegation with key contacts in the public and private sectors.

"This year's program will build on the awareness of South Australia's expertise and technology in tackling the environmental pressures of urban expansion," Mr Foley said.

The Institute has expertise in World Trade Organization law, implications of Free Trade Agreements, trade and economic issues for developing countries, business investment and designing courses for government management and urban planning issues.

Chinese Mayors wield considerable power and are often top-level decision makers. They are hand-picked for their economic and personal credentials and are seen as the next generation of national leaders.

Mr Jim Redden, Director of International Programs for China at the Institute for International Trade, says the Chinese delegates will spend this week in a series of lectures across the University, while visiting a number of relevant sites including the Glenelg Marina, Bolivar Treatment Works and trips to Goolwa and Victor Harbor.

"University of Adelaide experts from a number of fields, including architecture, urban planning and design, water and waste management, climate change and coastal management will pass on their knowledge to the delegation. This will be supplemented by sessions with State Government departments and site visits around Adelaide," Mr Redden says.

The Mayors will spend a week in South Australia before travelling to Canberra and Sydney.

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