Introduction

With China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), it is anticipated that continuing economic, legal and administrative reforms in China will undoubtedly resonate in the international community and particularly in the East Asian region. At the same time, developments at the international and regional levels will also help shape policies in China. This new relationship of interdependence and co-operation has given rise to a strategically important, interdisciplinary research area for Hong Kong, China and the international community.

The focus of the Programme is to establish the University as a world-leading centre in this research area through internationally recognized research, education and training, as well as the provision of related services such as consultancy to local, national and international organizations and businesses. While the immediate focus of the Programme is on China-WTO Law and Policy research, the Programme extends beyond short-term issues connected to China's accession and will also consider the longer-term policy implications of China's integration into the global economy as well as the role and influences which China will have over the East Asian economic order. The Programme aims to deliver high-level, high impact studies in the following areas of interdisciplinary studies:

• WTO law and policy
• Comparative economic law and policy in East Asia
• East Asian economic co-operation and integration
• Trade and investment-related initiatives of other major international organizations
• International financial institutions and regulatory regimes

Last updated on:
21 Dec 2007