Strengthening Cross-Chairs Collaboration: A Delegation from China Institute for WTO Studies of UIBE Visits SUIBE

China - 5 May 2023

Trade topics: Other

In the morning of May 5th, a delegation headed by Prof. TU Xinquan, Dean of the China Institute for WTO Studies of the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) visited Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUIBE).

SUIBE President Prof. WANG Rongming delivered a welcome speech to the guests. He said that SUIBE and UIBE were both directly affiliated to the former Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation. The two Universities have maintained a sound cooperative relationship and are working together to serve economic growth and social development. He sincerely hoped that the two Chair institutions could develop all-round cooperation and achieve a synergy effect of "1+1>2". In terms of research and academic work, he encouraged the two Universities to jointly organize international and domestic academic exchange activities, with a focus on WTO multilateral rules, and to conduct strategic, forward-looking and systematic researches. In terms of think tank development, he encouraged the Chairs to jointly build the Network on International Trade and Investment System (NITIS) and to create a worldwide first-class trade and investment policy research network. In terms of talents development, the two sides could explore a new cultivation model of globally competitive talents.

Prof. HUANG Jianzhong, the WTO Chair Holder and Director of the WTO RTPC Centre, introduced the development of WTO RTPC Centre of SUIBE, and SUIBE Chair under the WTO Chairs Programme. Ms. WANG Wenli, Council Director of the School of Trade Negotiations, proposed a vision of building a multi-dimensional and all-round support system for globally competitive talents cultivation through cross-university cooperation, and on municipal-university and enterprise-university level. Prof. JIN Quan, Director of the International Office (International Students Office), described SUIBE's current situation of international exchanges and talents cultivation as well as the future strategic focus of internationalization. Prof. YING Pinguang, Executive Director of the WTO RTPC Centre, shared SUIBE's main approaches to international talents development and future work plans.

On behalf of UIBE, Prof. TU Xinquan expressed his gratitude to SUIBE for the warm reception. He introduced the work of the China Institute for WTO Studies of UIBE in terms of scientific researches, students cultivation and development of WTO Chairs Programme. He hoped that the two Chairs could rely on the international platform provided by the WTO Chairs Programme to develop further cooperation in carrying out research projects, conducting social training, organizing international conferences and promoting exchanges among faculties and students.

The two sides had an in-depth discussion on topics including strengthening the synergy effect of the WTO Chairs and establishing a joint cooperation mechanism of the Network on International Trade and Investment System. International students attending the seminar also shared their views and experiences. The two sides finally agreed to share their experience in academic researches, curriculum development and outreach activities under the WTO Chairs Programme.