China's Hebei Economic and Trade University and the Kathmandu University in Nepal have agreed to set up a Confucius Institute teaching Chinese language and culture in Nepal.

 

Approved by the Office of the Chinese Language Council International on May 16, the Hebei Economic and Trade University will manage Chinese language and culture programs for the institute, which will open its doors on June 13 at Kathmandu University. It will be the first Confucius Institute in Nepal.

 

An official with Kathmandu University said that the Confucius Institute would act under the guidance and supervision of the Chinese Language Council International Office.

 

The new institute in Nepal is designed to provide Chinese language study, promote and reinforce Chinese culture, and improve trade exchanges at the campus of the Kathmandu University.

 

The Chinese Language Council International plans to set up another 60 Confucius Institutes and launch a Confucius Institute online to broadcast its services.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2007)