Laos on Friday held the final round of the 10th "Chinese Bridge", an annual Chinese proficiency competition for foreign secondary students.
The contest was hosted by Chinese Embassy in Laos and Chongde school in Lao southern Savannakhet province with the topic "Learn Chinese to make more friends".
Comprising three sections of speech, real time Q&A and talent show, the contest drew the participation of 14 students from schools in Lao capital Vientiane and southern Savannakhet province.
During the contest, contestants showed their Chinese language skill and understanding of Chinese culture. After intense competition, two students from Chongde school and Lieutou school earned prizes to compete in the semi-final and final round of the 10th "Chinese Bridge" to be held in China.
Addressing the contest, chairman of Chongde school Ma Lijuan said, with the expansion of international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the role of Chinese language has become increasingly prominent.
Under this context, being proficient in Chinese language will bring more and better development opportunities for students, so they can become major force in promoting socio-economic development of Laos and successors of Laos-China friendship.
The contest is expected to enhance the friendship between Chinese language schools, better encourage students to learn Chinese, promote students' understanding of Chinese language and Chinese culture, Ma added.
Director of consular section of Chinese Embassy in Laos Luo Zhiqiang said, since 2008, Chinese Embassy in Laos had coordinated with Chinese language schools in Laos to host nine "Chinese Bridge" contests. Through the contests, more and more Lao youngsters have shown their interest in studying Chinese language and using Chinese to communicate, they are also proud to participate in "Chinese Bridge" contests.
The contest has become a major brand among activities of Chinese language studying, setting up a bridge between young people of Laos and China, Luo said.
Chinese Embassy in Laos has always supported the teaching and promoting of Chinese language in Laos, including establishing "Ambassador Library Room" in Lao schools, providing Chinese, English and Lao language books, organizing Chinese culture camp activities to introduce Chinese language and Chinese culture to children, thus enhancing their understanding of China, Luo said.
