APRIL 13, 2007. SHANGHAI CAMPUS.
The China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) was honored today to host former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing. Mr. Giscard d'Estaing delivered a speech on "How to Continue the Action of the European Union After the First 50 Years." The speech attracted more than 300 Shanghai-based international diplomats, academic leaders, business executives, and media personnel, as well as CEIBS faculty and students. Mr. Giscard d'Estaing, regarded as one of the chief architects of the European Union, reviewed the history of the EU's formation, and discussed the important work the union will address during next 50 years.
In his welcoming address, CEIBS President Dr. Zhu Xiaoming stated: "Our school's achievement on ranking among the world's top-tier business schools in only 12 years owes not only to the rapid development of the Chinese economy, but also to our extensive cooperation and communication with the European Union, including with France. I'd like to thank Mr. Giscard d'Estaing and the EU for your great contribution."
French former President Valery Giscard d'Estaing delivers an address at CEIBS on the past and future of the European Union.
Mr. Valery Giscard d'Estaing was President of the French Republic from 1974 to 1981. Among his many diplomatic accomplishments, he is credited with creating the European Monetary System -- a project jointly initiated by France and Germany in 1978 and put into operation via the European Council in 1979. On December 15, 2001, Mr. Giscard d'Estaing was appointed as President of the European Convention (Convention on the Future of Europe) by the European Council. He is regarded as the Father of European Constitution and continues to act as a driving force in the development of Sino-French relations.
During his speech, Mr. Giscard d'Estaing explained that his visit to CEIBS was part of an ongoing celebration of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome. During the past 50 years, he said the EU had achieved remarkable accomplishments. The forming of the EU created the world's largest open market, established a critical new legal and judicial system, and launched the Euro as the world's second-largest currency.
Looking ahead to the next 50 years, Mr. Giscard d'Estaing said the EU must perfect its procedures and institutions to improve efficiency. The primary functions of the EU, he said, should be the establishment and implementation of policies governing international trade, financial operations, and judicial procedures. He recommended that the EU focus now on strengthening and solidifying its systems and institutions rather than on expanding. He added that clear and thorough public communication of new initiatives will be needed to win the understanding and support of the peoples of Europe.
As the "next steps" in the development of the EU, Mr. Giscard d'Estaing recommended focusing first on establishing a security and defense system for the region. He stressed that a system had already been outlined in the European Constitution and Treaty of Rome, but now must be implemented. Second, he urged EU leaders to cooperate in facing global challenges including environmental protection and sustainability of energy sources. Third, he stressed the need to cooperate in fighting international crime and illegal immigration.
Following the speech and Q&A, CEIBS Dean and Vice President Rolf Cremer presented to Mr. Giscard d'Estaing a copy of the book Understanding and Interpreting Chinese Economic Reform, by CEIBS Professor Wu Jinglian. Mr.Giscard d'Estaing and his wife then took a campus tour with CEIBS leaders.
In its 12 year history, CEIBS has enjoyed extensive cooperation with the top academic institutions and key enterprises of the European Union. In particular, CEIBS cooperates closely with France's top business school, INSEAD.
CEIBS President Dr. Zhu Xiaoming (left), Dean and Vice President Rolf Cremer (center) welcome French former President Valery Giscard d'Estaing (right) to CEIBS.
About CEIBS
Since its launch in 1994, the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) has solidified its reputation as the leading international business school in Asia. CEIBS is the only Asia-based business school that has achieved top-tier global rankings for its MBA, EMBA and Executive Education programmes (via the Financial Times annual global rankings survey), and is the only business school in mainland China that has earned an internationally recognized EQUIS accreditation.
MEDIA CONTACT: For more information, contact Laurie Underwood, Director of External Communications, at lunderwood@ceibs.edu or call (8621) 2890-5505 or Faye Zhang, at zfaye@ceibs.edu or call (8621) 2890-5305.
