Workshop at Gymnasium Liestal: China’s foreign economic policy

On May 17, ASCA members Patrick Renz and Corinne Estermann visited Gymnasium Liestal in Baselland to offer its students an input on Chinese development finance and infrastructure investments through the Belt and Road Initiative within an elective focus course on China’s foreign economic policy.

The participants had a chance to discuss financing types, channels and conditions from Chinese state and private lenders, issues of rising debt levels of borrowing countries, as well as the efforts undertaken to make lending more financially, environmentally and socially sustainable. The students particularly appreciated concrete project examples as illustration of the complex issues and multiple interests surrounding each financing decision.

The guest speakers also shared insights about their academic and career trajectories, including their exchange and work experiences in China, to provide guidance and reflections for the students upcoming educational choices.

If you know of any other educational institution interested in a similar exchange, do not hesitate to get in touch with ASCA.