UCL launches UK-China Infrastructure Academy

UCL and the UK government launched today the UK-China Infrastructure Academy, a major new initiative to help train Chinese companies and officials on investment processes in the UK and to encourage greater Chinese investment in UK infrastructure projects. The Academy will be delivered by the UCL Bartlett School of Construction and Project Management and will provide executive training programmes to senior business executives and policymakers. The launch highlights UCL's commitment to intensifying its global engagement and using its world-class research and teaching expertise for wider international benefit, and builds on the university's growing links with China. Infrastructure is a sector with huge potential for UK companies and Chinese investors, with major infrastructure programmes planned in both countries. The UK is already one of the top destinations for Chinese investment in Europe, with £4 billion invested in UK infrastructure and regeneration since 2012. The Academy will form a key pillar of the UK-China Infrastructure Alliance, announced during the 2015 UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue as a key platform to enhance UK-China commercial cooperation in infrastructure in each other's markets and in third markets. The launch event on Monday will include keynote speeches from  Andrew Percy MP, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, and Vice Chairman Lin Nianxiu of China's National Development and Reform Commission (China's macro-planning ministry), and be attended by the first cohort of 30 Chinese executives and government officials.