The China Institute of WTO studies (CIWTO) of the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), Beijing, successfully concluded a landmark academic and industry-focused study tour to Shenzhen and Hong Kong from May 19 to May 22, 2025, as part of its annual WTO Elite Program. This flagship initiative, made possible through the support of the WTO Chair Programme (WCP), offers students a rare opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge developments in trade, technology, governance, and innovation.

This year’s program brought together a diverse group of students from BRI and developing countries, including Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Russia, and China. The delegation featured participants from Master’s Year 1 and Year 2, as well as PhD students, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural academic exchange and future leadership in global trade.

The trip was led by Professor Tu Xinquan, Dean of CIWTO and Chairholder of the WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) at UIBE. As one of the most respected voices in international trade and WTO affairs, Professor Tu's leadership and the WCP’s ongoing support were instrumental in realizing the objectives of this academically rigorous tour. The WCP, a global initiative by the World Trade Organization, promotes trade-related research and education, and its funding and network played a crucial role in facilitating this international field study.

Shenzhen: Learning at the Heart of China’s Innovation

DAY 1:The program began in Shenzhen, China’s economic reform pioneer and a global hub for technology and trade. The first session took place at Huawei’s Songshan Lake Campus, where Professor Tu delivered a keynote lecture titled “The Sino-US Trade and Technology War: Causes and Consequences.” Attended by Huawei executives and employees, the lecture spurred thoughtful discussions on the geopolitical shifts in global commerce.

In the afternoon, students visited Humen Fort and the Opium War Museum, engaging in a meaningful historical study of China's resistance to imperial exploitation and its enduring battle against the opium trade. This offered critical context for understanding China's long-standing stance on national sovereignty and economic independence.

Day 2: The next day, students toured the Shenzhen Engineering Biology Industry Innovation Center and the Synthetic Biology Research Major Scientific Infrastructure, where they explored innovations like microbe-based cancer therapies and disease-eradicating bioengineering. These visits highlighted China’s commitment to next-generation biotech and its intersection with entrepreneurship.

At Lianhua Hill and the Shenzhen Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, the delegation gained a comprehensive overview of Shenzhen’s urban development strategies and sustainable growth models—deepening their understanding of China’s domestic development blueprint.

Hong Kong: Global Outlook in Practice

Day3: Hong Kong provided the international dimension of the trip. Students were welcomed at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) by Dr. Patrick Lu, Deputy Executive Director, and Mr. Roman Law, Head of SME Support. A guided tour of the SME Support Sandbox Facility and international trade platforms demonstrated how Hong Kong connects global buyers and suppliers through innovative digital infrastructure. Notably, HKTDC offered three months of free SME support to all participating students who wish to register a business in Hong Kong.

Later, the group visited SenseTime Hong Kong, a global leader in AI. Students experienced first-hand applications of artificial intelligence in urban planning, sports, surveillance, and creative industries, engaging with engineers on both the potential and challenges of AI-driven development.

Day 4: At City University of Hong Kong, students attended an academic seminar with prominent speakers, including Prof. Wang Jiangyu, Prof. Zeng Jinhan from City University of Hong Kong and Prof. Qin Ruobing, and Prof. Tu Xinquan from UIBE. Topics ranged from the US-China trade rivalry and global governance crises to the inequities of carbon tariffs and China’s policy responses. The seminar facilitated a rich exchange of research, perspective, and policy insight.

The afternoon visits to the Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo) further deepened the delegation’s understanding of governance. Professor Chow Man-kong, JP, Member of LegCo and Senior Advisor to the Provost, welcomed the group. Students toured the chamber, observed live legislative proceedings from the viewing gallery, and participated in a dialogue on policy transparency and institutional accountability—core values of Hong Kong’s public administration.

Why Shenzhen and Hong Kong?

The strategic choice of Shenzhen and Hong Kong reflected CIWTO’s desire to give students a dual perspective: one domestic, one global. Shenzhen, a symbol of China’s internal reform and openness, allowed students to observe how the country builds trade capacity and fosters innovation at home. Hong Kong, by contrast, illustrated how China operates on the global stage—maintaining its role as a neutral trading hub, less impacted by trade disputes such as the Sino-US tensions. Together, the two cities formed a complementary learning environment, showing students the full scope of China’s economic diplomacy and policy diversity.

Conclusion: Building Global Trade Leaders of Tomorrow

This study trip represents the CIWTO Elite Program at its best—a bridge between theory and practice, China and the world, and the classroom and the boardroom. Under the guidance of Professor Tu and with the continued support of the WTO Chair Programme, the initiative empowers a new generation of globally competent, critically aware, and policy-savvy trade professionals.

By engaging with industry pioneers, academic thought leaders, and government institutions, students gained first-hand experience of how global trade and governance function in real time. For many from developing and BRI countries, the journey was not only an academic opportunity but also a transformative life experience—opening doors to professional aspirations and international collaboration.