By Li Han

Staff Writer of the Tsinghua News Center

Governor of Georgia in the United States, Sonny Perdue visited Tsinghua on April 3 and delivered a speech in Tsinghua’s Main Building as part of the Tsinghua Global Vision Lectures series entitled “Open for Business: the International Spotlight of the Olympic Games”. In his speech, Governor Perdue shared his experiences and the lessons learned from hosting the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.

Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe exchanged ideas with Governor Perdue prior to the speech on plans for future collaboration. Professor Arnett Mace, Provost of University of Georgia also attended the meeting. The University of Georgia and Tsinghua concluded plans for student exchanges and signed an agreement to pursue future collaboration efforts that day.

Governor Perdue talked about the lasting legacy of the Olympic Games in Georgia and the progress and changes that can be seen still everyday. “Those Olympic Games left an indelible mark on the people of Atlanta and Georgia, just as they will for the people of Beijing” said Governor Perdue. “The Olympic flame and the spirit it represents is a powerful symbol, a powerful spotlight that brings great hope and infinite possibility.”

“China is poised at one of those rare moments in history.  In the coming years, every nation and every person across the globe will know of China’s might, not just as an economic player, but as a cultural and historical treasure, and as a partner in the global community,” said Governor Perdue.

(Photo by Guo Haijun)