BEIJING, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The China International Publishing Group (CIPG) and U.S.-based Yale University signed here Thursday a memorandum of understanding to compile and publish Chinese teaching materials and promote the Chinese language around the world.

    It will be the first ever multimedia Chinese language instruction program jointly developed by a foreign university and a Chinese publishing house, according to CIPG.

    CIPG President Cai Mingzhao said the program is designed for foreign students in high schools and universities and those who operate businesses in China.

    In the coming two years, the two parties will compile and publish a series of teaching materials including textbooks and digital publications and an interactive online program will also be developed to meet the needs of different learners.

    At present, more than 30 million foreigners are studying Chinese around the world.