On November 19, Francis, the vice president of Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies), paid an official visit to Shanghai Administration Institute, accompanied by the education consul from the French Consulate General in Shanghai. Mr. Zeng Jun, Vice President of SAI, hosted a talk with them.

    Zeng briefed Shanghai Administration Institute by illustrating its functions and tasks. SAI is a governmental organ directly under Shanghai Municipal Government, conducting training for public servants, delivering social science studies and offering consultation for government decision-making. Besides, SAI also provides training for staff members in the field of public administration and social management. Zeng also introduced SAI’s internationalized education. He pointed out that SAI has been maintaining relatively stable cooperation relations globally，among which are Harvard University, University of Oxford, Italian National School of Governance (SNA) and Singapore’s Civil Service College (CSC). Programs such as public servants training, joint academic research, visiting scholars, bilateral seminars and international conferences are progressing well. Recently, SAI attached more and more importance to opening up and international collaboration. By this opportunity, Zeng hoped to strengthen exchange and cooperation with Paris Institute of Political Studies to promote the bilateral relationships between each other.

    Francis said this was his first time to Shanghai Administration Institute, and he was impressed by SAI’s achievements. Francis also introduced the major specialty-settings, student’s training, high-ranking executives training and international cooperation in Paris Institute of Political Studies. He extended his wishes that both parties strengthen the ties to promote cooperation in joint academic research and international training.

    Paris Institute of Political Studies was built in 1871 with the aims of cultivating top talents in France. With the reputation of “cradle for social elites in France”, it has produced a lot of famous figures in France and in the world, including political and business decision-makers as well as leading executives with a global eye. At the present, there are 13,000 students in Paris Institute of Political Studies, half of whom are international students. In order to strengthen relationships with China, Paris Institute of Political Studies established its China office in 2000, conducting cooperation with colleges and universities and training agencies in China.