HKU Business School 2nd Quarterly Forum on Chinese Economy; Discusses Hot Topics in the Chinese Economy from Academic Perspectives
HKU Business School and Institute of China Economy (ICE) organised the 2nd HKU Quarterly Forum on Chinese Economy on 26 April 2024.
The forum featured Professor Zhenhua Mao, Founder of ZhongChengXin (HK) Investment Services Limited, and Professor of Practice of HKU Business School as the keynote speaker and presented the theme report titled “Current Trends in the Chinese Economy and Policy Adjustments”. Professor Heiwai Tang, Associate Dean (External Relations) of HKU Business School, Victor and William Fung Professor in Economics and Associate Director of Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy also shared his insights on challenges and opportunities for the Chinese Economy in the era of new globalisation. Following the keynote speeches, Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean and Chair of Economics of HKU Business School discussed hot topics in the Chinese Economy with other scholars and industry experts during the roundtable discussion. The forum, co-organised with the Hong Kong Nankai Alumni Association and held at HKU iCube, was attended by a diverse audience of business leaders, academics, alumni and students, receiving about two hundred attendees.
Professor Hongbin Cai, said in his welcoming remarks, ‘The Chinese economy holds a significant interest for a wide range of stakeholders. HKU Business School aims to establish the Institute of China Economy as a leading platform for academic research, catering to scholars and experts from both domestic and international spheres, with a primary focus on analysing Chinese economic policies. Our commitment extends to organising the Quarterly Forum on China Economy, which serves as a dynamic arena for integrating scholarly research, fostering the open exchange of diverse perspectives, and conducting in-depth discussions on the pressing challenges confronting the Chinese economy. Through these endeavours, we aim to cultivate new insights and perspectives that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field.’
Professor Zhenhua Mao said in his keynote speech, ‘China’s economy exceeded market expectations in the first quarter of this year, achieving a growth rate of 5.3%. However, the ongoing cyclical and structural adjustments in China’s economy are still in progress, and it is currently in a phase of downward cycles and bottoming out. One particularly worrisome issue is the intensifying problem of supply-demand imbalances. Notably, the Central Economic Work Conference held last year and the Report on the Work of the Government released this year suggest a potential significant shift in China’s economic policies, including stabilising GDP growth, expanding domestic demand, boosting prices and fostering greater openness, especially encouraging the Chinese enterprises to go overseas.’
Professor Heiwai Tang said in his keynote speech, ‘The trend of global trade is undergoing a fundamental shift, characterised by a transition from traditional globalisation towards a more service-oriented regionalisation and digitalisation. Geopolitical factors have increasingly impacted international trade and economic relations between nations in recent years. In the long run, China, as a country with significant advantages in industrial development, may not be able to reap as many benefits in the new wave of globalisation. Therefore, China should proactively explore new avenues for industrial development. Furthermore, the ongoing digitisation process is poised to propel international trade further, with various digital platforms assuming pivotal roles in facilitating trade activities.’
The forum was followed by an inspiring and intriguing roundtable discussion, moderated by Professor Hongbin Cai. Panellists include Professor Qiwei Chen, Director of China Leading Enterprises Case Study Center, Founder of Asia Business Academy, Professor at Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Mr. Yu Meng, CEO of Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), President of Hong Kong Chinese Financial Association; Mr. Tianshi Qu, Chief Greater China Economist of Bloomberg; Dr. Tao Wang, Managing Director at UBS, Head of Asia Economics and Chief China Economist at UBS Investment Bank and Dr. Wenli Zhao, Chief strategist, Managing Director of CCB International Securities Limited. Their insightful sharing and vigorous discussion stimulated and engaged the audience with innovative ideas.
Photo Caption
Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean and Chair of Economics of HKU Business School delivers the welcoming remarks.
Professor Zhenhua Mao, Founder of ZhongChengXin (HK) Investment Services Limited, and Professor of Practice of HKU Business School presents the theme report.
Professor Heiwai Tang, Associate Dean (External Relations) of HKU Business School, Victor and William Fung Professor in Economics and Associate Director of Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy delivers a speech.
(From left) Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean and Chair of Economics of HKU Business School;
Professor Qiwei Chen, Director of China Leading Enterprises Case Study Center, Founder of Asia Business Academy, Professor at Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Mr. Yu Meng, CEO of Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), President of Hong Kong Chinese Financial Association; Mr. Tianshi Qu, Chief Greater China Economist of Bloomberg; Dr. Tao Wang, Managing Director at UBS, Head of Asia Economics and Chief China Economist at UBS Investment Bank and Dr. Wenli Zhao, Chief strategist, Managing Director of CCB International Securities Limited join the roundtable discussion.
(Middle) Professor Qiwei Chen, Director of China Leading Enterprises Case Study Center, Founder of Asia Business Academy, Professor at Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
(Left) Mr. Yu Meng, CEO of Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), President of Hong Kong Chinese Financial Association
(2nd Left) Mr. Tianshi Qu, Chief Greater China Economist of Bloomberg
(Right) Dr. Wenli Zhao, Chief strategist, Managing Director of CCB International Securities Limited
The forum attracts a diverse audience of business leaders, academics, alumni and students.
