A new partnership between the Cornell Law School and Shanghai’s KoGuan Law School will promote collaboration between the institutions, according to a press release from the Law School released Friday.

The University said the agreement, which was reached on Aug. 30, will create the opportunity for exchanges of professors and students, increase interaction between the school’s libraries and promote research collaboration.

By doing so, the partnership will enhance Chinese legal studies at the University, the press release stated, a field some believe is increasingly important given China’s increasing influence.

In the statement, Stewart Schwab, dean of the law school, said KoGuan’s reputation contributed to Cornell’s decision to forge the partnership.

“We are committed to wide-ranging and meaningful programs with leading institutions in China, and this partnership with KoGuan Law School is an important part of our engagement,” Schwab said. “KoGuan is known for its innovative programs and commitment to scholarship, which makes it an attractive partner for us.”

The press release noted that this marks only the latest in a series of collaborations between the University and Chinese institutions of higher education, including the University of Hong Kong and the Peking University Law School in Beijing.

In a statement, the KoGuan Law School said the agreement would benefit both schools.

“Finding their strengths and interests to be complementary, the two institutions entered into discussions concerning mutually-beneficial cooperative programs,” the Chinese law school’s press release stated. “The educational cooperation agreements will greatly enhance the collaboration between KoGuan Law and Cornell Law.”