European Commission scheme offers fully funded executive
training in China

METP, the official EU-China Managers Exchange and Training Programme, offers executives the possibility to train as China experts.
Application period ends January 4, 2009

Executives from EU-based companies and non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) have the opportunity to apply for a fully-funded training scheme that will qualify them as China experts in 2009. Applications for the EU-China Managers Exchange and Training Programme (METP) can be submitted until January 4, 2009.

The joint programme sponsored by the European Union and China supports EU-based SMEs in their China business by offering a high-level training scheme. The EU-China Managers Exchange and Training Programme (METP) enables companies and non-governmental organisations to build up or further strengthen their business activities in China. The programme offers SMEs the possibility to train their employees for ten months to become experts on the Chinese market and Chinese business culture.

Long-term objective of METP is to enhance and to sustainably improve the EU’s relationship with China through exchange and economic cooperation. Stefan Hell, Team Leader in Beijing: “The main prerequisite for business success in China is a profound
knowledge of economy, culture and business ethics. And this is what METP offers applicants. At the same time the programme functions as a platform where Europeans and Chinese meet and build long-term relationships – the basic foundation for successful
business in China.”

Besides the organisation of the whole stay, the EU will cover all tuition fees. METP will provide participants with a monthly living allowance (about 1.000 Euros). All graduates receive an official diploma signed by the EU Ambassador to China. METP is a four-year initiative of the European Commission and the Chinese Government
and is divided into four intakes, each lasting ten months. The application phase for METP 4 ends on January 4, the programme will begin in May 2009. Applicants should have no or only very limited knowledge of the Chinese language. While the priority of METP is on
providing support to EU professionals from small and medium-sized companies, applications from candidates employed by larger firms can be considered, subject to space available.

For further information about application modalities, download instructions for the application dossier and for general information about METP visit www.metp.net.cn or contact the METP hotline at +49 69 15402 638.