China's participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) is vital to developing and maintaining a fair system for global commerce, said a Colombian minister on Tuesday at the ongoing Hongqiao International Economic Forum.
As an important part of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which kicked off Tuesday in Shanghai, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum is held alongside the event, featuring a total of 19 sub-forums on various topics.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO. During a sub-forum titled "The WTO at 30 and China: History and Evolution" on Tuesday, government officials, international organization representatives, and business leaders from across the globe emphasized China's significant economic contributions since its accession to the WTO in 2001.
"China undoubtedly plays a crucial role in the WTO system. I believe that for many developing countries, China's industrial policies are an excellent model to follow. China remains committed to multilateralism and rules-based approaches in resolving trade disputes," said Luis Carlos Reyes Hernandez, Colombia's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
China's accession to the WTO marked a milestone in its integration into the global economy, ushering in a new era of the country's reform and opening-up. Currently, China is a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions worldwide.
As the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, the CIIE has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions and international organizations in its country exhibition and business exhibition.
Colombian minister emphasizes China's crucial role in WTO
Colombian minister emphasizes China's crucial role in WTO
A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan. They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the tour.
The delegation made the tour at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation.
"The young people from both sides of the Strait share the same root, and we are having a harmonious communication this time. We also welcome young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland for exchange," Cao Yibo, a student from Peking University, told reporters during the tour.
The delegation included table tennis Olympic champion Ma Long who studies at Beijing Sport University, and air rifle Olympic champion Yang Qian of Tsinghua University.
"In the future, I would like to visit Taiwan again. I did not expect that so many compatriots in Taiwan would come to welcome and us and pay so much attention to our exchange tour," Ma said.
Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday, and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.
"The farewell dinner party was held yesterday evening, when almost all students from the mainland shared their feelings. What moved me so much is that every one of them thanked people here, because the latter sincerely and warmly welcomed them wherever they went during the nine-day tour. They told me that when they go back, they will tell their relatives and friends that people in Taiwan are kind, hospitable and warm. I believe that is the most important purpose of the exchange across the Strait," he said.
Calling youth exchanges a foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait.
This is the second delegation of mainland teachers and students visiting Taiwan at the invitation of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, following the visit by a first delegation in July last year.
Delegation of mainland university students, teachers wraps up Taiwan visit
