On the afternoon of November 15, 2018, Prof. Tao Yitao, director of the China Center for Special Economic Zone Research (CCSEZR), a key research base for humanities and social sciences under the Ministry of Education and dean of the Belt and Road Research Institute (Shenzhen) for International Cooperation and Development (BRRIICD) had a seminar with the Vilnius municipal delegation of Lithuania consisting of Laura, director of Human Resources Training and Performance Management Office, Vitali, director of Digital Urban Services Office, Iniesta, high-ranking official of Electronic Services and Procedures Office of Digital City Bureau and Ehena, director of Old Tow in Vilnius. The seminar was attended by Yun Wenjie, research associate of the CCSEZR and teacher Huang Yiheng.
Prof. Tao Titao introduced to the delegation from Lithuania in greater detail the reform and opening-up in Shenzhen and the historical evolution and development planning of the CCSEZR, and put forward suggestions to the delegation about scholarships for international students and cooperation among entrepreneurs of both countries. The delegation expressed their expectation for cooperation with the CCSEZR so as to deeply learn from the experience related to the construction and development of China's Special Economic Zones.
The delegation indicated that Lithuania had established the concept of special economic zones in 2008 and started the construction work in 2013. At present, there has not been a specialized research institution in place for special economic zones in Lithuania yet. However, the government authorities of Lithuania and Vilnius have realized the importance of special economic zones. On November 14, 2018, the delegation visited Shenzhen Municipal Government and learnt about the development course of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. They wish to introduce the CCSEZR to relevant scientific research institutions in Lithuania and communicate the information obtained from China to the academic and intellectual circles in Lithuania.
Prof. Tao Yitao expects the cooperation between the CCSEZR and Vilnius in three aspects. To begin with, the high-ranking officials in Lithuania will be trained about the planning and administration for special economic zones. Currently, the government officials from many countries have come to the CCSEZR, Shenzhen University to draw from the administrative measures and successful experience of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. The curriculum at the CCSEZR includes History on the Development of China’s Special Economic Zones, Special Policies and Administrative Measures for Special Economic Zones. Second, the two sides will cooperate in scholarships for international students. CCSEZR will offer the Belt and Road scholarships and scholarships for visiting scholars for international language students, undergraduates, postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers at Shenzhen University. Last, the two sides will work together to hold academic forums and drive industry cooperation. The World Special Economic Zones Development Forum held by CCSEZR has attracted many entrepreneurs. The Forum serves as a platform for entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities. Prof. Tao Yitao also suggested the delegation to prepare the Chinese version of Investment Guide for Lithuania to bridge the cooperation with Chinese entrepreneurs and to expand the win-win business model in the international cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative.
