On September 30th, Zhejiang Province jointly helda celebrationwith West Flanders, Belgium toobserve the 20th anniversary of friendship via video link. As one of the supporting institutions of this celebration, Vice PresidentProf.Jin Yanghua participated in the event on behalf of Zhejiang Gongshang University.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, and also the 20th anniversary of the friendship between Zhejiang Province and West Flanders. West Flanders, Belgium is one of Zhejiang's key sister cities in Europe. Since the establishment of friendly relations between the two provinces in 2000, the two sides have carried out fruitful exchanges and cooperation in various fields. The Confucius Institute jointly established by ZJSU and Howest University of Applied Sciences serves as an outstanding achievement of friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two provinces.

In the final part of the celebration, the foreign students of ZJSU, the folk music troupe of ZJSU and teachers and students of the Confucius Institute at Howest University of Applied Sciences sang the song "Jasmine", one of famous Chinese folks. The affectionate performance of "Jasmine" across national borders expresses the best wishes for the friendly relations between the two provinces. Meanwhile, it further expands the international influence of the Confucius Institute, highlighting the remarkable results of ZJSU's overseas education.

During the event, the Confucius Institute of Zhejiang Gongshang University and the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou jointly organized the "From Silk to the Silk Road" Cultural Exchange Exhibition in Bruges, Belgium.

The Confucius Institute was officially established by joint efforts of ZJSU and Howest University of Applied Sciences in April 2012. Since its establishment, the Confucius Institute has adjusted measures to local conditions and exerted its own characteristics. Through continuous promotion of teaching Chinese, a series of cultural activities such as "Chinese New Year Gala", "Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition", "Chinese Day" and “Commemorating Chinese Workers in the First World War” have been carried out. Confucius Institute has made great progress in a unique,sustainable and innovative way, and has played an important role in improving local Chinese teaching level and promoting the spread of Chinese culture. In 2019, it was awarded the national honorary title of "Confucius Institute of the Year".