On April 15th, sponsored by the Center for Northeast Asian Research (CNAR) of Shandong University (SDU), the inaugural ceremony of Weihai China-South Korea FTA Regional Economic Cooperation Research Center (hereafter as “Research Center”), as well as the China-South Korea Service Trade Seminar were held at Shandong University, Weihai (SDUW). Prof. Tong Xinghua, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of SDU, Secretary of the Party Committee of SDUW, Mr. Ye Liyun, Deputy Mayor of Weihai and Dr. Zhao Yupu, Director of CNAR, attended the ceremony. Researcher of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Prof. Zhang Yunling from Shandong University, and Mr. Ye Liyun jointly unveiled the plaque of the Research Center.

In his opening address, Mr. Ye reviewed the measures Weihai had taken and its achievements made in terms of the construction of local economic demonstration area since the China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement was signed in 2015. He said that building the think-tank and enhancing top-layer design, which will bear directly on the development and prospect of the demonstration area, should be an integral part of the construction work. He also added that the taking the CNAR the main body, the Research Center will provide strong support for policy studies, project research, policy-making consulting, exchange and cooperation as well as the propaganda and promotion of the demonstration area.

Prof. Tong pointed out in his address that based in Weihai, the CNAR had made fruitful achievements over the years by focusing on the economic, political and cultural studies of Northeast Asia and by establishing a distinct think tank. According to Prof. Tong, the convening of the seminar was a milestone for the development of the Research Center, as well as a manifestation of SDUW’s social service function. He expressed his wish that all the attendees could contribute their wisdom to the seminar, thus helping promote healthier and faster development of China-South Korea trade.

After the ceremony, experts had in-depth discussions and exchanged their views over such issues as “China-South Korea Service Trade Cooperation Program”, “Innovation and Development of Service Trade in China-South Korea FTZ”, and “Pragmatic Cooperation Between Weihai and Inchon under the framework of China-South Korea FTZ”. These experts include: Li Gang, Researcher of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; Prof. Lee Seong-Jun, former Vice President and professor of Woosong University, President of South Korea E-commerce Association; Yu Lixin, Director of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Foreign Trade and International Finance Research Center; Prof. Seo Chang-Pae from Pukyong National University; Prof. Wang Xiaohong, Deputy Director of Department of Information of China Center for International Economic Exchange; Prof. Zhang Jianping, Director of International Cooperation Office of National Development and Reform Commission; Liu Wen, Executive Director of CNAR; and Song Weili, Deputy Party Secretary of Weihai Lianqiao Group.

Representatives from relevant departments of Weihai municipal government, county-level cities, development zones, and local enterprises, together with students and teachers from SDUW and Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai also attended the ceremony and the seminar.

Translated by: Wu Mei, Chen Chao, Michelle Pu

Edited by: Pu Yang

Photo by: Qi Weiliang

Source: view.sdu.edu.cn