CCIEE Holds the 125th “Monthly Economic Talk”

On January 20, 2020, China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE) held the 125th “Monthly Economic Talk” under the theme of “China-US Phase I Trade Agreement”. The meeting was chaired by Zhang Xiaoqiang, Executive Vice Chairman of CCIEE. Wei Jianguo, Vice Chairman of CCIEE, Han Xiucheng, Director of the Intellectual Property Development & Research Center of the China National Intellectual Property Administration, Fang Yan, former Deputy Director of the Agricultural Economics Department of the National Development and Reform Commission, and Chen Daofu, Deputy Director of the Financial Research Institute of the Development Research Center of the State Council, delivered their speeches respectively.

Zhang Xiaoqiang pointed out that under the framework of the China-US phase I trade agreement, China will continue to implement an innovation-driven strategy, tackle key technologies, strengthen basic research, rely on reform, opening up and innovative development to promote high-quality development. The next stage of negotiation requires China and the United States to respect each other based on market principles, conduct dialogue and consultation, and work together to promote healthy and stable development of US- China economic and trade relations.

Wei Jianguo believes that the China-US phase I trade agreement between China and the United States has stimulated the global market, and the significance of the agreement is greater than the agreement itself. The agreement embodies the principles of equality and mutual respect. China and the United States will establish a bilateral assessment and dispute settlement mechanism to deal with economic and trade differences in a timely and effective manner, and solve problems in various fields through communication. The agreement will benefit the global economy in the new era.

Han Xiucheng pointed out that intellectual property is the focus of the US-China economic and trade relations. The signing of the phase I trade agreement helps China and the US to establish a more harmonious economic and trade relationship. The agreement conforms to the reform of international rules, helps to improve the global intellectual property governance, optimizes the business environment and promotes higher-level opening-up. Besides, better intellectual property protection can promote China’s economic transformation and innovation-driven development.

Fang Yan believes that the signing of the phase I trade agreement will benefit the economic development of the two countries. Chapter III of the agreement, “Food and Agricultural Products Trade” reflects the concerns of China and the United States in the agricultural field and has achieved important results. Expanding agricultural cooperation is mutually beneficial and a win-win choice for both sides. The agreement is conducive to promote investment cooperation and technical consultation between the two countries in the field of agricultural science and technology.

Chen Daofu pointed out that under the premise of fairness, effectiveness and non-discrimination, the phase I trade agreement will increase China’s opening-up and promote the reform and opening-up of its financial markets. This is the continuation of China’s financial supply-side structural reform, which will enhance China’s financial stability and development. The establishment of an adaptive, competitive and inclusive modern financial system will enable China to have a stable economic development and create a better life for the people.

In the Q&A section, experts answered various questions from the media and the audience. Researchers from CCIEE, representatives from enterprises, research institutions and news agencies took part in the event.