EPOKA University of Albania and Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics (JUFE) in China held a virtual ‘cloud signing’ ceremony on March 30^th, 2022 at 10 am to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and to inaugurate cooperation between the two institutions. This historic event marks the first signing of a comprehensive MOU between an Albanian and Chinese university in 50 years.

The ceremony, which was held virtually via zoom, was opened by His Excellency, Mr. Zhou Ding, and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Albania, who spoke about China-Albania relations.  Professor Dr. Deng Hui, President of JUFE, then introduced the university and delivered some introductory remarks about JUFE.  Professor Dr. Ahmet Oztas then delivered some introductory welcome remarks about EPOKA University.

The introductory remarks by the two university presidents were followed by an introduction to the School of International Trade and Economics, the Belt and Road Research Institute, and the ‘16+1’ cooperation mechanism.  This talk was delivered by Dr. Wu Zhaoyang, Dean of the School of International Trade and Economics, and the Belt and Road Initiative Research Institute.  Subsequently, Associate Professor Dr. David Felsen, Vice-Rector for International Relations at EPOKA University, spoke about prospects for future cooperation between EPOKA and JUFE.   The ceremony concluded with the signing of the MOU by Professor Dr. Deng Hui, President of JUFE, and Professor Dr. Ahmet Oztas, Rector of EPOKA University. The ceremony was moderated by Professor Dr. Xiao Long, Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange.

In attendance at this celebratory event was Dr. Marsela Musabelliu, Executive Director of the Albanian Institute of Globalization Studies (AIGS), an Albanian who had previously done doctoral work at JUFE.  Also in attendance from JUFE were Professor Dr. Liu Xiaoli, Vice-President, Associate Professor Dr. Yang Yong, Vice-Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, Associate Professor Dr. Cao Mingchun, the Deputy Dean of the Belt and Road Initiative Research Institute, Mr. Xu Tao, Director of the Division of International Students, and Ms. Xiao Shimeng, Head of the Overseas Students Division at JUFE.

In attendance from EPOKA University were Associate Professor Dr. Marc Pilkington, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at EPOKA University, Dr. Alba Gerdeci, Head of the International Relations Office, and Dr. Nertil Mera, Head of the Department of Banking and Finance at EPOKA University.

EPOKA University looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with JUFE and the exchange of staff, students, research and ideas between the two institutions.