Wuhan University of Science and Technology (WUST)'s decision to build a new college and research institute in Zhanjiang will help to foster a new generation of professional talent in the city, according to officials at a signing ceremony for the deal on Oct 11.

The university, which is based in Central China's Hubei province, has agreed terms with the Zhanjiang government to build a new science research base and teaching college in the coastal city in southern Guangdong province.

Ni Hongwei, president of WUST, revealed at the signing ceremony that the university had chosen to situate its new center in Zhanjiang because of the city's favorable natural conditions and educational achievements.

He also commented that the agreement was a new milestone in the long-term strategic partnership between the university and Zhanjiang, which will hopefully lead to even further resource sharing and win-win projects.

Zhanjiang Mayor Wang Zhongbing welcomed the agreement and expressed the government's willingness to support research in marine engineering, marine science and technology and equipment.

Wang added that Guangdong's supportive polices, well-developed institutions and broad market will benefit the project. He also urged the two sides to work together closely to hammer out the final details of the project as quickly as possible.

WUST, a key educational institute with close ties to the provincial and central governments, is one of China's oldest universities, founded during the late Qing Dynasty in 1898.

The university currently operates 32 research institutes for nurturing talents, particularly in its competitive specialties of iron and steel, materials, chemical engineering and machinery.

Zhanjiang Mayor Wang Zhongbing visits Wuhan University of Science and Technology on Oct 11. [Photo by Lu Zhimin/zhanjiang.gov.cn]

Officials from the Zhanjiang government sign a cooperation agreement with Wuhan University of Science and Technology on Oct 11, which will lead to WUST building a new research institute and a college in the city in southern Guangdong province. [Photo by Lu Zhimin/zhanjiang.gov.cn]