For the third consecutive year, a 28-strong group of students from China's University of International Business and Economics, accompanied by two academics, has attended a one-week training programme at the Geneva-based international organizations, which was held on 24-28 September.
The programme for the Virtual Institute study tour was tailored to cover international economic, business and legal topics of special relevance to China.
Experts from UNCTAD's technical cooperation service and representatives from the various Divisions of UNCTAD introduced the group to UNCTAD and its thinking, discussed current trends and challenges in the world economy, and highlighted the roles played by investment, technology and innovation, and transport and trade facilitation, in achieving export success, economic growth and development.
In addition, students learned about selected topical issues in international economics and business, namely the BRICS countries and South-South integration, climate change and trade, and corporate social responsibility.
Partner organizations of the Virtual Institute (the World Trade Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the International Trade Centre) also contributed lectures to the programme. The WTO sessions looked into the current status of WTO negotiations, WTO anti-dumping measures, and dispute cases involving China, and also discussed China's recent Trade Policy Review.
WIPO introduced the students to the role of intellectual property in economic development, and also to issues related to the protection of copyright, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and geographical indications.
ITC gave presentations on its market analysis tools, in particular its Market Access Map and Trade Map, and introduced its programme on non-tariff measures. "The study tour really exceeded my expectations," said one of the students. "The professors gave many interesting and useful lectures, which broadened my horizons and enlightened me for my academic projects."
The students also had the opportunity to visit the Permanent Mission of China, and to discuss issues of specific interest to their country in Geneva-based trade-related negotiations with the diplomats in charge of UNCTAD and WTO.
The tour culminated with a simulation exercise on foreign direct investment, where the students played the roles of the national investment promotion agency and of ministries, in a fictitious country, and were tasked with advising the president on the stance that he should take with regard to a proposal by a foreign investor.
"The world economy and globalization are moving rapidly, and China is getting closer to the other countries of the world," commented one study tour participant. "But there are still lots of issues for us to learn and practice, to compete better in the global market."
The members of the group left Geneva satisfied with their experience, and motivated to pursue their studies on international economic, political and legal issues. "The close access to the UN made me realize what "international" and "diversity" mean. It really helped me to make the decision to become an international lawyer," said a student majoring in economic law.
"Not only big organizations like the UN, but also single countries and individual people are responsible for world development and peace," said another participant. "The United Nations is where we can have our ultimate goal achieved, if we want to make a difference to the world," concluded another.
