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9. The main Hong Kong-related element in our aid programme is the Sino-British Friendship Scholarship Scheme (SBFSS). The
SBFSS began in 1987, following the signature of a Memorandum of
Understanding at 10 Downing Street in June 1986 by
Sir Geoffrey Howe, Sir Y K Pao and Li Peng in the presence of Mrs Thatcher and the then General Secretary of the Communist
Party of China. Under the scheme £3.5 million is made available each year for ten years to enable some 400 Chinese scholars
annually to undertake PhD studies and postgraduate research in
Britain. The YK Pao Foundation provides 40% of the cost, the
Government of China 40% and ODA the remaining 208 plus
administrative charges. The Scheme is supervised by a Commission
on which each contributor has two representatives. Mr Lankester
and Dr
Dr Iredale are the British Commissioners. The Chinese
Commissioners are senior officials from the State Education
Commission. The YK Pao Foundation representatives are his daughter and son-in-law. The Commissioners meet annually. This
year's meeting will be in ODA on 3-5 June.
English Language Teaching (ELT)
10. We have 41 British ELT experts in 38 projects in Chinese
universities and 29 Chinese counterpart staff on MA courses in
the UK. This costs some £1 million pa. ELT strengthens
political and commercial links, and ensures Chinese trainees in this country are well prepared.
Consultancies
11. ODA began a programme of consultancies in 1984/85 to provide advice on specific technical problems. We are placing particular emphasis on the environment and energy efficiency. The programme provides opportunities for UK firms to enter the China market in sectors where UK expertise is strongest. We are aiming to establish longer term links with key Chinese institutions.
The
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