The Sino-European Youth Information Center (SEYIC) website was
officially launched at a ceremony in Beijing on Monday.
Jointly established by the China Youth Computer Information
Network and Walueurope, a Rome-based company that provides
information on European themes, the website (http://china.youth.cn) aims to
promote information and cultural exchange, strengthen cooperation
and advance friendship between Chinese and European youths. One of
its objectives is also to provide young people with a source of
practical and diversified information services.
In Beijing, the project is supported by the Communist Youth
League of China, All China Youth Federation, the Italian Embassy,
and the European Youth Forum.
The website includes information in Chinese and English divided
into columns such as News, Education, Employment, Culture and
Travel. The Chinese version carries information on 25 EU nations,
covering hot topics such as studying, working and traveling in the
EU.
The English version introduces Europe's young people to Chinese
culture and opportunities in China's rapidly developing economy. It
also describes the Chinese education system, provides online
learning services, and information on what China looks for in terms
of foreign talent.
Italian and French versions will be available soon, according to
Ms Ouyang Xiangqun, president of the China Youth Computer
Information Network.
Delivering his speech at the opening ceremony in Chinese, Serge
Abou, ambassador of the EU delegation of the European Commission,
talked of high expectations for the website in relation to helping
to improve Sino-European ties.
Quoting the late Chairman Mao, he said: "We should know where we
are from, where we are going and where we are."
"China is the EU's biggest partner in trade and research. Trade
between China and EU was worth US$240 billion last year. China will
account for 15 percent of global GDP (gross domestic product) in 20
years. By that time, the two blocs will account for one third of
global GDP."
"China-EU cooperation is into its 21st year. In that time,
frictions have occurred. But this is life. What we need to do is
reducing those frictions by enhancing and deepening the
understanding between the two sides, not only in economic terms but
also in personal and cultural terms."
According to Giacomo Filibeck, PR Manager of Walueurope,
china.youth.cn supports everything but fear: "We are against the
irrational fear of threat that stems from the ignorance of another
culture. We are committed to working hand in hand for a peaceful
and stable world."
Another ceremony will be held in Florence, Italy, at the end of
May in conjunction with the "Year of Italy in China" activities,
which started in January.
China Youth Computer Information Network is the largest
youth-oriented website and is ranked as one of the eight key news
websites supported by the government. It receives over ten million
hits a day.
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Li Shen, May 9, 2006)?
