BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Confucius Institute is a non-profit public institution promoting the Chinese culture internationally and supporting Chinese language teaching outside of China.

    Confucius institutes provide Chinese-learning-related courses and programs, such as Chinese language teaching at all levels, professional training for university, secondary and elementary school Chinese teachers, tests for a certificate of Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Chinese competitions, consultations for further Chinese studies in China and introductions to Chinese culture.

    Since 2002, the National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language under the Education Ministry has set up a number of Chinese-learning institutions overseas to enhance the understanding of the Chinese culture among Chinese learners outside of China.

    In March 2004, the institutions were brought under one umbrella and named the Confucius Institute.

    After the first World Chinese Conference was held in Beijing in July 2005, the Confucius Institute project received a cordial welcome from across the world.

    By April 2006, a total of 55 Confucius institutes have been setup or under construction in more than 30 countries and areas. There are now institutes 17 in Asia, 18 in Europe, nine in North America, three in Oceania, three in Africa and five in Latin America.

    The total number of Confucius institutes overseas is projected to surpass 100 by the end of 2006.

    The United States, Australia, India, Pakistan, Portugal, Canada and Mexico, among others, have established Confucius institutes or have signed agreements with China on the project. Enditem