Edu-leaders

India and New Zealand will be establishing a joint education council to carry forward the education co-operation between both the countries, announced Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his New Zealand counterpart, Johan Key. The prime focus of the council would be higher education, research and skill development.

Both the countries have already signed an Education Exchange Programme during MHRD Kapil Sibal’s visit to New Zealand.

The total funding for the initiative is expected to be NZ$1 million per year with both India and New Zealand contributing equally. The University Grants Commission of India will provide the funds for India.

It is expected that the initiative will strengthen the relationship between the two countries, promote academic, industry links and open up opportunities for education services collaboration between them.

The Education Council will become the flagship programme of the education relationship between the two countries which will encourage knowledge building and awareness among young business leaders from both India and New Zealand through scholarships and internships in their business schools and industrial enterprises.