On March 15, 2021, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU), Peking University (PKU), and the Bank of China (BOC) Research Institute held an online seminar to discuss their cooperation under the framework of the PKU-BOC Center for EU Economic and Strategic Research.

CCCEU Chairman Xu Haifeng told the seminar that Sino-EU relations are seeing fruitful development with talks on the bilateral investment accord concluded and the agreement on protecting geographical indications entering into force.

Chairman of the CCCEU Mr. Xu Haifang at the online conference. Source: the CCCEU.

In the meantime, the EU is stepping up an array of policies and strategies, which could weigh on China-EU economic ties and Chinese companies’ future development in Europe, Xu said, adding that the CCCEU needs to strengthen research efforts to better inform and serve its members.

The Chamber expects the joint research center, the PKU-BOC Center for EU Economic and Strategic Research, to unleash its potentials and provide intellectual support for Chinese companies in Europe, Xu noted.

Mr. Dong Zhiyong (middle in white), Assistant to the President of Peking University and Dean of the School of Economics, spoke at the seminar. Source: the CCCEU.

Dong Zhiyong, Assistant to the President of Peking University and Dean of the School of Economics, said the PKU-BOC Center for EU Economic and Strategic Research lays the foundation for sound cooperation among Peking University, the Bank of China as well the CCCEU.

As COVID-19 has been brought under control in China, we will embark on a new journey and work together on events, visits, and research, he said. 

Ms. Liao Shuping, Head of Global Economy at the Bank of China Research Institute, at the seminar. Source: the CCCEU.

Liao Shuping, Head of Global Economy at the Bank of China Research Institute, urged joint efforts to produce influential analyses and policy advice, build a solid platform, and make the PKU-BOC Center for EU Economic and Strategic Research fully play its role of a think tank.

During the conference, the CCCEU, Peking University, and the Bank of China Research Institute agreed to meet regularly, make synergies, and jointly hold events or dialogues on China-EU economic, digital, and green relations.  

The online seminar was hosted by Xia Hongwei, Director of Office of International Relations of Peking University, and attended by some 20 participants from the CCCEU, Peking University, and the Bank of China Research Institution.

The PKU-BOC Center for EU Economic and Strategic Research was jointly launched by Peking University, the Bank of China, and the CCCEU back in October last year. In November 2020, the joint research center held its first seminar via videoconference.