Arba Minch University’s Institute of Technology has signed a tripartite agreement with China’s Guangxi Vocational & Technical Institute of Industry and Guangxi Construction Engineering Group No.1 Installation Company Limited that is expected to ensure cutting-edge knowhow and training to AMU staff in enhancing sugar production and creating jobs in the sector.
The MoU is expected to operate on the principals of resource sharing, complementary advantages and collaborative development. This 3-year agreement is a part of Silk Road International College of Sugar Industry Project, which has an objective to train AMU staff and hone talents by implementing occupational training. Training in that regard for AMU staff has already started at Omo Kuraz Sugar Factory.
University President, Dr Damtew Darza inked the pact on AMU behalf, while two Chinese organizations’ top officials, Mr Han Zhigang and Mr Tang Nongsheng are other signatories.
This project proposes training schools to be located at Guangxi Vocational and Technical Institute of Industry in China (Party-A) and Institute of Technology (Party-B) premises. The number of trainees will be decided by enterprises’ demand and availability of lodging at AMU along with OMO Kuraz Sugar Factory and Party-A. The school is likely to have quota for AMU graduates and medium of instruction will be English.
According to pact, Party-A will look into teaching management, plan, teaching material and assessing trainees. It will impart free training to Party-B’s staff at its free on-campus lodging. It will assist Party-B in procuring VISA for China and expenses shall be covered by Party-A while living cost will be borne by Party-B.
Party-B being accountable for publicity and trainee’s management will provide staff and teachers with free on-campus lodging, office and VISA help. It will also ensure logistics i.e. study-class-computer rooms, library, stadium, dormitory; ensure safety and assign teaching staff to Party-A.
Party-C will assist in training, industry-academy ties, organize, coordinate, communicate and conduct activities. It will cover training costs (if trainees are organized by enterprises except Party-C, costs will be covered by enterprises) and deposit a share to institute’s account beforehand. It will provide training standard, requirement and reference material.
The Project Management Committee (PMC) comprised of representatives from three parties will handle financial matters. Non-performance or unilateral behavior on the part of any party without three parties’ consent and PMC’s approval will bear all the resulted loss.
According to the Party-B sources, officials from both Chinese firms - Party-A and C mentioned above are expected to visit AMU by June 2018, and in a formal meeting core modalities for the project might take final shape keeping in view the ground realities of parties involved.
(Corporate Communication Directorate)