Academic and technological cooperation between Ethiopia and China continues to deepen as Arba Minch University (AMU) and China’s Yellow River Conservancy Technical University (YRCTU) successfully implemented a joint training program in Chinese language and Water and Hydraulic Engineering. The three-week program, conducted from December 2 to 19, 2025, took place at AMU’s main campus and engaged students from the Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering disciplines. The initiative aimed to enhance students’ technical competencies while fostering linguistic and cultural exchange. Click here to see more photos.
The YRCTU delegation, led by Yang Qian and Yu Yuani, delivered intensive instruction combining introductory Chinese language training with applied insights into water and hydraulic engineering. The program marks the first visit of YRCTU academic team to Ethiopia and is a direct outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between AMU and YRCTU on July 19, 2023, which established a framework for cooperation based on equality, mutual benefit, and joint development in vocational and higher education. Reflecting on the experience, Yang Qian noted that the program exceeded expectations and highlighted the enthusiasm of participating students despite the challenges of learning a new language. She emphasized the importance of continuous practice and sustained academic support, adding that the collaboration opens pathways for future study opportunities in China and long-term academic exchange.
Following the training sessions, the YRCTU team held consultative discussions with AMU faculty deans, the Director of the Water Resources Research Center, academic staff, and students. Participants shared feedback on the program, proposed areas for improvement, and expressed interest in expanded cooperation, including student and staff exchange programs. The discussions also explored opportunities for selected AMU students to pursue further studies at YRCTU.
Dr. Elias Gebeyehu, Director of the Water Resources Research Center at AMU’s Arba Minch Water Technology Institute (AWTI), commended the initiative, noting that Ethiopia’s strong collaboration with Chinese partners in major water infrastructure projects underscores the relevance of such academic partnerships. He emphasized that the program contributes significantly to capacity building in water resources and hydraulic engineering and expressed optimism for sustained and meaningful collaboration.
YRCTU, a public vocational undergraduate institution with a 90-years history, is widely recognized for its focus on engineering education, innovation, and technical service, particularly in the field of water conservancy. Located in Kaifeng, a historic and culturally significant city in China, the university has long served as a center for training technical professionals and promoting international collaboration.
The program concluded with an in-depth discussion and the exchange of commemorative gifts between AMU faculty, participating students, and the YRCTU delegation, symbolizing the strengthening partnership between the two institutions. Beyond technical and linguistic skill development, the initiative stands as a testament to growing Ethiopian–Chinese cooperation in education, promoting cross-cultural understanding and shared expertise in critical fields such as water management and engineering.
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