The Tasmanian Polytechnic is helping to teach the next generation of Chinese students through a long-running collaboration with the Shanghai Bangde Vocational College.

Tasmanian Polytechnic/TAFE Tasmania and Bangde signed the first contract for delivery of Australian qualifications in 2002.

The Premier, Lara Giddings, has helped to cement the relationship through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during her Asian Trade Mission.

"The relationship between Bangde College and the Tasmanian Polytechnic has been highly successful and there is significant capacity to build on the relationship to offer more courses in the future.

"After a foundation year of English studies, students undertake a two year Advanced Diploma of Logistics with the second year available in either China or Tasmania. 

"Almost all students doing their second year in Tasmania take up the option of completing a Business Degree at the University of Tasmania.

"To date 1185 students have enrolled in the program in China with around 200 coming on to finish their Advanced Diploma qualification in Tasmania at the Polytechnic.

"This equates to a benefit to the Tasmanian economy of $1.5 million from off shore fees and $5.5 million revenue from on shore students.

"Almost all of the students coming to Tasmania progress on to Tasmania University for a further year of study - delivering a further $28 000 per student per year into the Tasmanian economy. 

Ms Giddings said the course in China is taught in English by Tasmanian and English speaking Chinese teachers. 

Tasmanian Polytechnic teachers travel to China for six week blocks to deliver certain units within the course. This equates to one third of the course being delivered by Tasmanian staff. 

"This relationship is an example of the mutually beneficial opportunities that exist from tapping into the rapidly growing Asian education sector.

"While the University of Tasmania has a goal of doubling its intake if international students, this also shows there are also benefits in delivering training programs directly overseas.

"I am very pleased to be able to be here to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that recognises the strength of the relationship between Bangde and the Tasmanian Polytechnic and the opportunities for future collaboration."