A deal has been signed between China and the US State of Maryland for an exchange programme of Chinese language teachers.

A senior US official yesterday said the state urgently needs Chinese teachers to help it share in the opportunities offered by Asia's most dynamic market.

"There are many students (in Maryland) willing to learn Chinese, however we don't have enough teachers to do so," said Mary D. Kane, secretary of state for Maryland, which is famous for its higher education resources.

Kane said Maryland and China's Ministry of Education have signed a memorandum of understanding on an exchange programme for Chinese language teachers. She gave no details about the deal.

Leading a state higher education delegation in China, Kane made the remarks at Zhongguancun Wangjing Science Park, where she announced the 20 semi-finalists of the second annual China Business Plan Competition, an event sponsored by the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business.

"Economic development goes hand in hand with education we explore tremendous opportunities for educational partnerships with China," she said.

"The competition showcases how education plays a major role in China's developing economy and how future projects could potentially unite resources from both Maryland and China's government, business and educational sectors."

Themed "Building Leaders for the Digital Economy," the competition offers a US$50,000 prize to entrepreneurs with information, communication or technology related businesses, said organizers.

This year's semi-finalists were chosen from nearly 150 submissions.

"The Smith School remains firmly committed to increasing educational opportunities in the China market and to creating initiatives that support the growth of world-class business ideas and leaders for the digital economy," said Howard Frank, dean of the Robert H. Smith School of Business.

"The competition is a great vehicle for fostering the ideas and talent emerging from China," added Frank.

Maryland was one of the first US states to establish a sister state relationship in China, linking itself with Anhui Province in East China 26 years ago, according to Kane.

The sister state relationship is running smoothly, and includes a myriad of business, culture and education exchanges, noted Kane.

Besides Beijing, Kane's delegation will also attend the University Presidents Forum in Anhui and will seek more higher education co-operation opportunities in Shanghai.

Source: China Daily