Network News On May 26, the Ministry of Education signed a “Double-First Class” initiative co-construction agreement with the Hubei Provincial Government, the Hubei Daily said. This is an important step to make full use of both central and local resources for improving the quality and level of higher institution in Hubei Province. The co-construction agreement signed with the Ministry of Education, focused on the establishment of Wuhan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences(Wuhan), Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Huazhong Agricultural University, and continued to jointly develop Hubei University and Wuhan University of Science and Technology. Chen Baosheng, the Minister and Party Secretary of Education, Jiang Chaoliang, the Secretary of Hubei Provincial Party Committee, Wang Xiaodong, the Provincial Governor, Luan Yongyu, the Party Secretary of Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, and Yang Canming, the president of Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, attended the sign-up ceremony.
According to the co-construction agreement, seven “Double-First Class ” universities including Wuhan University were incorporated into the overall economic and social development plan for Hubei Province. The Ministry of Education was committed to supporting seven “Double-First Class” universities to closely integrate the construction of “Double-First Class” initiative with the improvement of economic and social development in Hubei Province. With the interaction of talents, disciplines, scientific researches and industries, we would strive for the major scientific innovations, the transformation of key technologies into advanced productivity, and the enhancement of driving force of university innovation resources for Hubei’s economic and social development.
During the five-year construction this round, the Ministry of Education would collaborate with some relevant departments to increase special funds for the construction of “Double-First Class” initiative. “Double-First Class” initiative put forward the major construction programs that were related to the economic and social development, industrial support, and major people’s livelihood items. In the meantime, the provincial government would coordinate all kind of parties to increase financial support for efforts in the “Double-First Class” initiative of scientific research achievements in Hubei Province.