Long Yongtu, the former chief negotiator who helped China clinch its World Trade Organization membership after years of tough talks, was appointed part-time head of International Relations College at Fudan University yesterday.

The 61-year-old ex-vice minister of China's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation is currently secretary general of China's Boao Forum for Asia, a non-governmental organization that aims to boost the region's economic development.

Long, who plans to divide his time between Fudan and Boao, will stipulate general policy for the college's development rather than handle daily activities, university officials said.

He is also expected to invite world-renowned diplomats and international relations experts to lecture at Fudan. And he himself will instruct postgraduate and doctoral students.

"I'm confident that I will be able to act as a bridge between Fudan University and Boao Forum, achieving a win-win result for the two sides," said Long.

He will discuss with students and faculty alike hot international topics that relate to the global economy, Long said.

As one of China's leading universities, Fudan, especially its International Relations College and Economics College, can be a valuable resource for Boao, which would benefit from Fudan's academic research.

"Mr Long is experienced in international relations and negotiations. He will no doubt bring a much broader vision to Fudan, as well as bring Fudan onto the international stage," said Wang Shenghong, president of the university.

"Faculty members at Fudan, in addition to students, will no doubt benefit from Long's new position," the president added.
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2003)