On June 22, Prof. Tao made a return visit to the Institute of Latin American Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (ILAS-CASS) while attending the “The Belt and Road New Economy Forms Development Forum” in Beijing. Prof. Tao Yitao is the director of the China Center for Special Economic Zone Research (CCSEZR), Shenzhen University, president of the Belt and Road Research Institute of Shenzhen University and also president of the Belt and Road Research Institute (Shenzhen) for International Cooperation and Development (BRRIICD). On the return visit, Prof. Tao discussed matters on further cooperation between the two sides with Yang Zhimin, Chief Researcher of ILAS-CASS. Accompanying was also Dr. Yun Wenjie from CCSEZR.
Previously, Researcher Yang Zhimin and his party visited CCSEZR and BRRIICD in May this year. The two sides reached an agreement on cooperation on resource sharing and the establishment of an academic community. ILAS responded positively to Prof. Tao’s visit by expressing their strong interest in: partnering with CCSEZR on soliciting article contributions for the academic journals including the "Annual Report on the Development of China's Special Economic Zones" (Blue Book), "Studies on China's Special Economic Zones" and "The Belt and Road Studies"; and carrying out talent exchanges and visits in the fields of joint research on the platform of the postdoctoral research station. In particular, the two sides conducted in-depth and pragmatic discussions on co-organizing the "2020 World Special Economic Zone Development Forum (Panama)".
Prof. Tao (right) and Researcher Yang Zhimin
Mr. Yang extended a warm welcome to Prof. Tao's delegation and sincere thanks towards Prof. Tao for her warm reception and courtesy in his previous visit. He said that “The Belt and Road” is an essential object of study for regional cooperation research office and an increasing number of Latin American countries have joined the Belt and Road initiative, playing an important role in the construction of a community with a shared future between China and Latin America countries. Up to now, 17 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have signed an agreement with China to jointly build the Silk Road Economic Belt. Mr. Yang said Latin America is worth research in depth as it calls for exchanges following the boom of emerging economies and has a long history and friendly people. The cooperation between the two sides is expected to enhance the understanding between China and Latin America, promote multi-level and multi-field exchanges, foster talent with an international perspective and scientific research.
Prof. Tao expressed her sincere gratitude to Researcher Yang Zhimin for his hospitality, and also expressed an agreement with his opinions. She suggested the two sides to jointly set up a preparatory working group for the "2020 World Special Economic Zone Development Forum (Panama)" after a unanimous consensus is reached. With the knowledge and wisdom of scholars and academic resources of two sides, we can promote China's Path to the world and provide the emerging economies with China’s solution to their development challenges. The meeting ended amidst a friendly atmosphere.
Group photo of the two sides
