中国加拿大研究网

The unveiling ceremony of the Canadian Studies Centre in the School of English and International Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), and the opening ceremony of the Canadian Cultural Festival were held on May 9, 2006. Guests of Honour included His Excellency Robert Wright (Canadian Ambassador to China), Professor HAO Ping (President of BFSU), Professor JIN Li (Vice-President of BFSU), Mr. MEI Ping (Former Chinese Ambassador to Canada), Ms. LI Bing (Deputy Director of State Administration for Foreign Experts’ Affairs), Ms. WANG Li (Academic Relations Officer, Embassy of Canada in Beijing) and Canadianists from some other research institutions in China. Ambassador Robert Wright, President HAO Ping, Ambassador MEI Ping and Professor GONG Yan, Director of Canadian Studies Centre of BFSU delivered speeches at the ceremonies. Books donated by the Library Support Programme were presented by Ambassador Robert Wright to the Centre. After the ceremonies, guests of honour were accompanied by the hosts to the Canadian Photo Exhibit, which was part of the Canadian Cultural Festival, and later to the newly-decorated office of the Canadian Studies Centre in the School of English and International Studies.
Sponsored by the Canadian Embassy in Beijing and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada, the Canadian Cultural Festival was the first of its kind being held in BFSU. During the 9-day festival, the following events were organized: Canadian Film Nights, Canadian Photo Exhibit, Lecture on Canadian Higher Education, Ambassador Forum: “Sino-Canadian Relationship in a Diplomat’s Eyes” and Canadian Quiz Competition.
The Cultural Festival successfully enhanced understanding of Canadian culture and people. Students were actively involved in these events and many claimed have developed an academic interest in the study and research of Canada as a result of this exposure to Canadian culture.