Quebec universities looking to strengthen ties with universities in India

MONTREAL , Jan. 29 /CNW Telbec/ - On Sunday January 31 , CREPUQ President and Director General and a number of heads of Quebec universities will join Premier Jean Charest's mission to India , with a view to furthering relations with Indian establishments of higher education.

During the mission, Quebec's rectors and principals will meet with their Indian counterparts in academia, research and innovation, and work to develop or strengthen ties with India's university system.

" India is an emerging country of great interest to Quebec and our universities. By participating in this mission, we hope, among other things, to encourage innovation and collaboration between Quebec and Indian researchers, promote inter-university cooperation and improve student mobility between Quebec and India ," said Heather Munroe-Blum, Chair of CREPUQ and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University.

"There are already bilateral agreements regarding student mobility between Quebec and Indian universities. In fact, we have 35 such agreements with 26 institutions in India . These exchanges are not only desirable but necessary, as the presence of international students in universities enhances academic programs, while also helping to establish durable links between societies," added Daniel Zizian, President and Director General of CREPUQ.

CREPUQ includes all 18 Quebec universities. The organization acts as their voice in relations with government and higher education. It also fosters coordination and collaboration between universities, is a research centre for university administrations, acts as a centre for coordination and joint service delivery, and is a resource centre and think tank for its members.

For further information: Chantal Pouliot, Director of Communications, Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities, [phone], ext. 244