A Vassallo met with representatives of IOI China Training Centre at the premises of the IOI China host institute, the National Marine Data and Information Service (NMDIS) in Tianjin, to discuss ongoing collaboration including the IOI China Training Programme, alumni engagement, and the opportunities for expanding IOI Ocean Academy activities in China.
Following the Forum, Ms Vassallo travelled to Tianjin for a working exchange with representatives of the National Marine Data and Information Service (NMDIS), which hosts the IOI China Training Centre. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the two institutions, including opportunities for ocean literacy expansion in China, enhancing engagement with IOI Alumni, preparations for the forthcoming 2026 IOI China Training Programme, and coordination of nominations for the 2026 IOI Malta Training Programme.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong and longstanding partnership between IOI and NMDIS, which has contributed significantly to building ocean governance capacity in the Western Pacific region and has supported the development of an active network of IOI Alumni throughout China and beyond.