The city of Taicang in East China's Jiangsu province has already become a hub for some 250 German companies. Now, the city is also looking to introduce a German-style education system, and has invited the president of a leading German university to work with the local government on this project.

Professor Arnold van Zyl, president of Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Stuttgart (DHBW), met with Taicang's Acting Mayor Wang Jianguo on Nov 22.

Germany possesses a unique educational method: The dual study concept, which combines academic learning and workplace training for students in higher education. Students are not only taught theoretical knowledge, but also learn to apply this knowledge in practice.

During his meeting with Professor van Zyl, Wang reviewed the economic achievements made through cooperation between Taicang and Germany, and introduced the positive effects the introduction of German-style education has already had in Taicang.

Taicang plans to extend its cooperation with Germany in several more fields, such as culture and education, Wang said, adding that Taicang needs German schools’ support in improving vocational education.

This visit is expected to usher in a new chapter of German-style education in Taicang, he concluded.

Professor van Zyl summarized his impressions of Taicang, and agreed that as an industrial city, it is essential for Taicang to promote education to strengthen its talent pool.

DHBW is willing to join hands with Taicang to push the development of German-style education in China, and to meet the increasing demand for talent from German companies in China, he said.