The WTO side event for the review of China's trade policy was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 16th, 2024. The Side Event, centered around the theme of "Understanding China's Economic and Trade Policies from the Perspectives of Central and Local Governments," aimed to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of China's economic and trade policies among WTO members. During the event, experts and scholars from the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, University of International Business and Economics, Wuhan University, and Southwest University of Political Science and Law, along with representatives from foreign enterprises operating in China, presented on the policies, measures, and practical experiences employed by China to achieve high-quality development and high-standard opening-up. These presentations fostered an interactive exchange with over a hundred participants, including representatives from the WTO Secretariat, WTO member states, international organizations, and news media outlets. UIBE co-organized the side event jointly held by the WTO Division of the Ministry of Commerce and the Chinese Mission to the WTO. WTO Chairholder at UIBE Prof. TU functioned as a moderator during the event.

Addressing the concerns of WTO members regarding China's macroeconomic performance and domestic reform measures, the participating experts objectively analyzed China's macroeconomic outlook and prospects, delving into the new initiatives introduced by China in areas such as fostering new forms of productivity, building a unified national market, and promoting the growth and strengthening of the private sector. To provide an in-depth look at China's local practices in further expanding openness, experts and business representatives showcased specific cases, detailing the opening-up measures undertaken in the comprehensive pilot program for expanding the opening of the services sector nationwide, as well as the achievements made in optimizing the business environment and facilitating the operations of foreign-invested enterprises in China. Officials from the WTO Secretariat and representatives of WTO member countries expressed keen interest in the topics presented at the event, and continued to have lively discussions with experts on site after the event.

This side event marks the first time China has organized such an activity on the eve of its Trade Policy Review (TPR). In his speech, Li Chenggang, China's Permanent Representative to the WTO, stated that China's initiative to hold parallel side events prior to the TPR was a concrete action to implement the WTO reform proposals aimed at strengthening the Trade Policy Review Mechanism. The TPR, he emphasized, is not only a crucial avenue for the WTO to oversee trade policies and enhance transparency among members but also a vital platform for fostering understanding and building trust, which is essential for the effective functioning of the WTO. Mr. Alexander Keck, Director of the Trade Policy Review Division at the WTO Secretariat, commended China's proactive and open approach in preparing for this TPR. He fully acknowledged the positive role of China's side event in facilitating WTO members' deeper understanding of China's economic and trade policies, enhancing trust, and addressing concerns. He praised China as the first WTO member to actively demonstrate the outcomes of the reform of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism, playing a significant role in encouraging WTO members' participation in TPR and fostering profound interactions.

During his visit to Geneva, Prof. Tu Xinquan also participated in the Ninth Trade Policy Review Plenary Session of China conducted by the WTO, where he was interviewed by the Press Division. Furthermore, he met with Mr. Wang Dawei, a senior official from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, to discuss plans for future cooperation between the two parties.