Alabama A&M University and Nanjing Forestry University have collaborated to found the Confucius Institute. (CONTRIBUTED)

NORMAL – Culminating a six-year project, Alabama A&M University has founded the Confucius Institute on its campus.

Alabama A&M officials have collaborated with Nanjing Forestry University in China in sessions that began as exchange research between the two faculties and student bodies.

Confucius Institutes around the world offer instruction about Chinese culture and language. As a result, the institutes expedite business between the United States and China. Many U.S. companies have operations in China, such as AT&T, Dell, Apple, Ford, GM and Walmart.

Currently, the institute at A&M offers courses in introductory Chinese, Chinese writing and history and culture of China. Alabama A&M and Nanjing Forestry University will host a grand opening ceremony for the institute at the Von Braun Center on April 16.