With the world's most powerful economy and millions of young people seeking post-secondary education, China is an important market for any university interested in international partnerships.

The University of the Fraser Valley has been involved in several Chinese educational initiatives over the years, and is open to exploring new partnerships.

UFV president Mark Evered is touring five Chinese cities in May to meet with partner universities.

UFV Agriculture department head and noted horticulturist Tom Baumann and UFV China liaison officer Betty Wang are accompanying Dr. Evered on the tour, which includes a signing ceremony at the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU) in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province, to formalize a recent agreement that will enable Chinese students from FAFU to come to UFV to complete the last two years of their agriculture degree.

While in Beijing, the UFV team is meeting with a delegation of industry representatives and city officials from Abbotsford -- including Mayor George Peary -- to tour select Chinese businesses working in agriculture.

"The Fraser Valley has a strong agricultural sector, using cutting-edge techniques and technology," said Baumann, who will connect with the Abbotsford delegation in Shanghai as well.

"We have a temperate climate and some of the most fertile lands in Canada. There are many areas of mutual support and learning that we can develop with our Chinese partners in that sector."