At the invitation of the Venezuelan Special Economic Zones Authority and the Consulate General of Venezuela in Guangzhou, Professor Ba Dianjun, Deputy Director of the Northeast Asian Research Center of Jilin University, visited Venezuela from December 9 to 14, 2024 to attend the 2024 World Special Economic Zones Forum (Caracas), co-hosted by the Venezuelan Special Economic Zones Authority and the China Center for Special Economic Zone Research of Shenzhen University.

Scene of the Forum

The forum officially opened on the morning of December 12 local time in Caracas, capital of Venezuela. The opening ceremony was co-chaired by Deputy Minister Álvarez of the Venezuelan Special Economic Zones Authority and Professor Tao Yitao, Distinguished Professor and Director of the China Center for Special Economic Zone Research at Shenzhen University, who delivered opening remarks on behalf of Venezuela and China respectively. Ms. Rodríguez, Vice President of Venezuela, who had just concluded her visit to Shenzhen, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech. She spoke highly of the fruitful cooperation between China and Venezuela in the field of special economic zones and looked forward to future bilateral cooperation prospects.

Professor Ba Dianjun Delivers Keynote Speech

The forum brought together 23 Chinese experts, scholars and entrepreneurs for in-depth discussions centered on the theme “Sustainable Development of Global Special Economic Zones”. As one of the representatives of Chinese universities, Professor Ba Dianjun delivered a keynote speech titled “Prospects for China-Venezuela Cooperation Under the Development of China’s Belt and Road Initiative”. Drawing on China’s experience in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, he analyzed the cooperation potential between China and Venezuela in special economic zones from multiple dimensions including policy coordination, resource complementarity and regional cooperation, and put forward concrete proposals for advancing pragmatic cooperation. His speech won high praise from all participants.

Closing Ceremony of the Forum

The closing ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace of Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro, President of Venezuela, delivered an address. President Maduro extended sincere gratitude to the Chinese scholars for bringing Venezuela China’s successful experience in developing special economic zones. He stressed that the extensive experience Shenzhen has accumulated over 44 years of building a special economic zone is highly instructive for Venezuela. He further emphasized: “We have embarked on a brand-new development path, and Shenzhen has achieved remarkable accomplishments along this path, setting an exemplary model for us.”

Group Photo of Participating Scholars

The 2024 World Special Economic Zones Forum (Caracas) serves as a vital platform for exchanges and cooperation between China and Venezuela in developing special economic zones, embodying the shared vision of both sides to deepen economic cooperation and boost regional development. Professor Ba Dianjun’s active participation not only provided professional insights to the forum, but also demonstrated the academic commitment and strength of Jilin University in supporting the Belt and Road Initiative and advancing international collaboration. Taking this forum as an opportunity, the Northeast Asian Research Center and Northeast Asian Studies College of Jilin University will further strengthen cooperation with Venezuela and other international institutions, continuously expand research scope and academic influence, and offer more intellectual insights and solutions for the development of global special economic zones and pragmatic China-Venezuela cooperation.