Authorities with finalists of the competition organized by the Chinese embassy. China is generating growing interest among young Madagascans. Thousands of people aged 15 to 35 participated in the second edition of the general knowledge competition on China, organized by the Chinese embassy. The final was held last Saturday at the Confucius Institute in Antananarivo.
"More than four thousand candidates from different regions were selected. The level of participants has clearly improved, even though the competition presents a relatively high level of difficulty," said Prisca Rasoanirina, Malagasy director of the Confucius Institute in Antananarivo.
This progress was also noted by the Chinese embassy. "The candidates are really very strong. The questions are quite difficult, even for an ordinary Chinese person, but they seem too easy for these students," said Wan Peng, counselor-minister at the Chinese embassy in Madagascar.
Prospects
This enthusiasm can be explained in particular by the progress in learning the Chinese language and culture, with a constantly increasing number of learners and the multiplication of training centers in the regions. "Teaching and promoting the Chinese language and culture is indeed the essential mission of the Confucius Institute," continues Prisca Rasoanirina.
Mastery of the Chinese language and culture could also open new professional perspectives for young people. "Commercial relations between our two countries are increasingly intense. For a decade, China has been Madagascar's leading commercial partner. Strengthening knowledge about China will open more professional perspectives for these young people," emphasizes Wan Peng.
First prize winner, endowed with two million ariary, Avo Finoana Princie Razafindraibe, a first-year student at the University of Antsirabe, aims to develop commercial activities with China after continuing her studies in that country.
Miangaly Ralitera