Wanxiang Group and MIT sign a strategic cooperation agreement in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, on March 22. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Wanxiang Group, China's leading auto parts manufacturer headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on March 22 to advance scientific and technological research and development.

A delegation of 15 senior experts led by Richard Lester, associate provost of MIT, attended an inauguration workshop in Hangzhou and held discussions with Wanxiang on the details of their cooperation. The experts, spread among eight different fields, are experienced in research and startups.

Attendees from home and abroad delivered 17 speeches, covering a variety of topics. In-depth talks on improving working mechanisms aroused strong interest among the experts.

Wanxiang Group and MIT made plans to jointly build an international scientific innovation center and an advanced institution for applied sciences in Hangzhou.

Lu Weiding, chairman and CEO of Wanxiang Group, said that establishing a pioneering scientific research institute in collaboration with MIT is of profound significance and will be a great contribution to society.

"MIT, the world leader in technology application, is active in assuming social responsibilities," said Lu. He hoped that with the combined strength of both Wanxiang and MIT, the institute would prove to be of great benefit to all of society.

Lester discussed MIT's edge in some the world's most advanced industries, such as new energy and internet of things. He also shared his expectations for the partnership with Wanxiang, saying they will work together to improve cooperation mechanisms and research systems, and jointly promote social development.

On March 23, after the workshop, the MIT delegation embarked on a field trip and observed the environment and working conditions at Wanxiang.

Attendees from Wanxiang and MIT pose for a group photo at the inauguration workshop in Hangzhou on March 22. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]