On the afternoon of November 11, the opening ceremony of the MOFCOM Seminar on Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Latvia, organized by the Ministry of Commerce and undertaken by the MOFCOM Training Base for International Business Officials (Shanghai) of SBS, was held at the Caobao Road Campus. Liu Bin, Dean of the College of International Education and Director of the MOFCOM Training Base for International Business Officials (Shanghai), and Zhai Wei, Associate Professor of the Economic Law School of East China University of Political Science and Law, representing the seminar experts, attended the opening ceremony.
(Scene of the opening ceremony)
Latvia, as a crucial hub connecting European and Asian markets, demonstrates an innovative drive and international perspective among its young entrepreneurs that highly aligns with China’s vision of promoting high-quality development and building an open world economy. Young Latvian talents show unique creativity in fields such as information and communications, life sciences, and clean technology. China’s comprehensive industrial system, vast application scenarios, and dynamic capital market provide fertile ground for the commercialization of innovative achievements. This seminar is dedicated to building a two-way channel for the flow of innovation factors between China and Latvia, helping young Latvian entrepreneurs seize opportunities presented by the digital economy, low-carbon transition, and other trends of our time.
Liu Bin pointed out that Latvia, hailed as the “Pearl of the Baltic Sea”, nurtures a vibrant spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial activity. Precisely for this reason, the university meticulously designed this study program around the theme of “Innovation and Entrepreneurship”. She stated that in the following two weeks, participants would engage in face-to-face dialogues with Chinese experts and scholars, immersing themselves in the pulse of China’s innovation practices. She expressed her hope that the participants would bring Latvian wisdom and perspectives, share their thoughts, and also absorb China’s experiences, allowing ideas to spark even more inspiration through exchange.
(Liu Bin delivering her speech)
Zhai Wei expressed that China and Latvia have long maintained friendly cooperative relations, with continuous progress in economic and trade ties and deepening friendship between the peoples of the two countries. As a lecturer, through the teaching activities of this program, he sincerely hoped to have ample interaction and exchange with the participants to enhance mutual understanding and trust. He also aimed to gain a more comprehensive and concrete understanding of the design philosophy, operational models, and successful experiences of Latvia’s innovation and entrepreneurship laws, policies, and systems.
(Zhai Wei delivering his speech)
Participant representative Ms. Natalija, Foreign Affairs Deputy Director of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, pointed out that Latvia, a country with economic growth rates exceeding the EU average, is increasingly attracting global attention for its economic vitality and business potential. The Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as the largest business support organization in the country, consistently focuses on improving the business environment, enhancing corporate competitiveness, and promoting exports. Through its global network and professional services, the Chamber continuously provides matchmaking opportunities and business support for domestic and international enterprises. She looked forward to taking this seminar as an opportunity to foster further exchange and cooperation between Latvia and China.
(Participant representative delivering her speech)
This seminar lasts for 14 days. The 25 participants are from the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its member enterprises. The program includes a field visit for participants to Yixing City in Jiangsu Province.
Written by: Zhou Dejiang
Photographed by: Yang Yuqi
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
