China-Panama Maritime Cooperation: Panamanian students in China gear up for career opportunities

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Since diplomatic ties were established, cooperation between China and Panama has taken off. Case in point - Panamanian students in northeastern China are gearing up for some exciting careers. CGTN's GUAN YANG reports from Dalian Maritime University.

Marching before classes, Dalian Maritime University holds true to the tradition of strict disciplines. 22 year-old Genesis from Panama came to China to study 3 years ago, thanks to recommendations from her close friends.

GENESIS VASQUEZ ALMANZA, PANAMANIAN STUDENT DALIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY "The first year was good, it wasn't that much about my major, the 2nd year got difficult but I could handle it. This year, it is hard, but I think I can handle it."

Being a bastion of seafaring talent, Dalian Maritime University helps train thousands of graduates who now work actively in oceanic industries. As for Genesis, her firsthand experience of studying in China will be a big plus once entering the job market back home in Panama.

GUAN YANG DALIAN "After establishing diplomatic ties last year, Panama and China have made significant progress, covering areas like investment & trade, maritime transport, civil aviation and many more. Here at one of China's top maritime universities, young talent from Panama are gearing up for career opportunities in the shipping industry."

Last year, Panama received "most favored nation" status from China with regard to access to Chinese ports. And this August, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation to promote and facilitate maritime transport between the two sides. With a major in logistics and engineering, Genesis is quite confident about her future.

GENESIS VASQUEZ ALMANZA, PANAMANIAN STUDENT DALIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY "I search for it, in my country, there aren't many people, qualified people to do such work, so I think it is going to be a great opportunity for me."

The cooperation between both countries is not limited to maritime matters. Human Resources and education are two other common strengths. The Chinese government says it is willing to honor Panama's elites like Genesis with full scholarships.

ZHAO YOUTAO, VICE CHANCELLOR DALIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY "Scholarships for Panamanian students were funded by China's ministry of transportation. Every year for the next five years, 5 to 8 students from Panama will be selected by Panama's ministry of maritime affairs for full-ride scholarships in our University."

GENESIS VASQUEZ ALMANZA, PANAMANIAN STUDENT DALIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY "I think it is a very good field, we have the canal, and now the relationship with China. So the greatest accomplishment I will have after graduation is the Language and experience of studying in China."

According to the China-Panama Maritime Agreement signed last November, the two countries will continue to expand in-depth cooperation in maritime transportation, maritime affairs, and transportation infrastructure. And future career opportunities for young Panamanian talent will be there for the taking. GUAN YANG, CGTN, Dalian.