On 2nd-12th October 2018, LEDECO Centre Swiss (LEDECO) organized its first in-depth “Study Tour for Global Vision and Multilateral Spirits” jointly with the University of Business and Economics (UIBE) of China.

 

During the ten days, participants undertook three tailor-made modules:

1.Field visits to nine international organizations including the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). They also paid visits to the world biggest sports goods retailor Swiss Intersport International Corporation (IIC) to learn about Intersport business and strategy including market entry in China.

 

2.A series of intensified courses delivered by senior experienced professionals from international organizations and institutions.

 

Senior representatives from including the WTO, ILO, UNCTAD, ITC, WIPO and Permanent Mission of China to the WTO delivered high-quality lectures to participants on topics related to global economic and trade governance. Subjects discussed included the Special and Differential Treatment (S&D), applied intellectual property (IP) and business, the role of China in the multilateral trading system, etc. In addition, participants also learned about the history, work and role of each international organization in global governance.

 

Lecturers include:

Mr. Paolo GARZOTTI, Deputy Permanent Representative and Minister of the EU Mission to the WTO;

Mr. Celso de Tarso Pereira, Deputy Permanent Representative and Minister of Brazil Mission to the WTO;

Mr. Danio Campanelli of the Council and TNC Division of the WTO;

Ms. Nicola Koch, Chef de Cabinet and Secretary of the Commission of the UNECE;

Ms. Cathy Jewell, Senior Information Officer of WIPO;

Mr. Martin Kuenzi, Vice President and CFO of IIC;

Mr. LIU Ning of the Permanent Mission of China to the WTO

 

3. Simulation Course of International Trade Negotiations delivered by Professor Xiankun LU

 

On 12th October Friday, students participated at the Simulation Course of International Trade Negotiations on Duty-free and Quota Free Treatment (DFQF) for the Least-developed Countries (LDCs) in the WTO.  They were divided into five groups, representing respectively China, Singapore, the United States, the LDCs and the Chair/Secretariat of the negotiating body. In the simulation, participants learned how to prepare and submit negotiation proposals, organize formal and informal consultations, engage in text-based negotiations, etc.

 

Annex: Programme of LEDECO and UIBE Joint Study Tour 2018

Visit to the UNECE

Visit to the WTO

Visit to the ITC

Presentations by Mr. Paolo GARZOTTI, Deputy Permanent Representative and Minister of the EU Mission to the WTO

Visit to the ILO

Visit to the WIPO

Presentations by Mr. Celso de Tarso Pereira, Deputy Permanent Representative and Minister of Brazil Mission to the WTO

Presentation by Ms. LIU Ning of Permanent Mission of China to the WTO

Trade Negotiation Simulation delivered by Professor Xiankun LU