China's Shandong University and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement to set up the Confucius Institute for NTU, which expects to offer courses by the end of this year.

Under the agreement, the two universities will conduct wide-range cooperation in the fields of academic exchanges, training of students and scientific research activities, said Zhan Tao, president of Shandong University.

Zhan said the establishment of the Confucius Institute in NTU aims to promote and develop Chinese language, culture, studies and business in Singapore.

He said the cooperation will benefit both sides.

(Xinhua News Agency July 27, 2005)