Zong Wa, deputy director general of China Education Association of International Exchanges, addresses the opening ceremony in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on June 9, 2017. [Photo by Lucie Morangi/China Daily Africa]

"We have more than 400 programs currently running but we still lack the technical capacity required to accelerate the country's economic development. This is what we are seeking in this alliance," he said.

He said although there are more than 2,000 students every year undergoing training in the country's institutions, the sector is facing difficulties in linking them with market needs to drive industrialization.

"Nepal is rich in its cultural heritage and I believe that we can design cultural programs and contribute to this alliance to the mutual benefit of us all as member states," he said.

The former prime minister of Romania underscored the importance of quality education for a country's economic growth.

"Investments in education subsequently lead to building talents, strategies and technologies in our youthful population to drive innovative economies."

The ceremony also saw the launch of Alliance of Silk Road Business School that aims at enhancing business cooperation among entrepreneurs through cultural understanding. Moreover, the Czech language and cultural center, Slovakia Education and Research Center, China Arts Cooperation Center and China Education Exchange Center in Romania were unveiled.

Several MoUs were signed between Chinese technology institutions and their European counterparts.

Lucymorangi@chinadaily.com.cn