With the support and care of the university and the college, the School of Economics of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics is meticulously developing its academic brand series "Managing the State and Benefiting the People · Frontiers of Political Economy," relying on a series of important academic projects such as research papers, academic works, seminars, lectures, and reports. These efforts aim to further expand new dimensions in the development of our college's political economy discipline, contributing the wisdom and strength of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics' political economy discipline to the construction of China's economics theoretical system, knowledge system, and discourse system in the new journey of Chinese-style modernization.
From April 19 to 20, 2025, the 33rd Annual Academic Conference of the Chinese Society for the Study of Foreign Economic Doctrines was successfully held at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. The conference was hosted by the Chinese Society for the Study of Foreign Economic Doctrines and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and organized by the Research Center for Marxist Economic and Social Development of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Department of Principle of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the School of Economics of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, the Xi Jinping Economic Thought Research Institute of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and the Shanghai Social Science Innovation Research Base "Research on the Innovation of Political Economy Discourse System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era."
Professor Liu Yuanchun, President and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and Professor Hu Leming, President of the Society and Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Evaluation Institute, delivered opening speeches. Professor Cheng Enfu, Honorary President of the Society and Member of the Academic Division of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, gave the keynote report. Experts, scholars, and graduate students from universities and research institutes such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Central Party School of the CPC, Fudan University, Zhejiang University, Nankai University, Xiamen University, Wuhan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Jilin University, Sichuan University, Lanzhou University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, among others, as well as editorial representatives from journals including Marxist Studies, Academic Monthly, Teaching and Research, Journal of Renmin University of China, Journal of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance), Research on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, Contemporary Economic Research, Shanghai Economic Review, Social Sciences, Fujian Forum, Economic Review, and Journal of Hebei University of Economics and Business, were invited to attend the conference.
April 19
01. Opening Ceremony
On the morning of April 19, Professor Liu Yuanchun, President of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and Professor Hu Lemin, President of the China Society for the Study of Foreign Economic Theories, delivered speeches successively at the opening ceremony.
In his speech, President Liu Yuanchun pointed out that foreign economic theories possess unique theoretical and historical logic. When studying foreign economic theories, we must adhere to Marxism-Leninism as a guide, implement the principles of "letting a hundred schools of thought contend" and "using foreign knowledge for Chinese purposes," and neither blindly worship them nor ignore their value. The key purpose of studying foreign economic theories is to promote the Sinicization and modernization of Marxist economic theory, better grasp the contemporary pulse of economic thought development, continuously enhance the vitality of Marxist economic theory, the explanatory power for the questions of China’s economic development in the current era, and the persuasiveness of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, thereby promoting the construction of an independent knowledge system in Chinese economics. In response to the trend and to accelerate progress, the university has established the Research Institutes for Chinese-style Modernization and Xi Jinping Economic Thought, and the Special Zone for Political Economy (referred to as "Two Institutes and One Zone"), using theoretical economics, particularly political economy, as a focal point to actively advance toward the goal of creating a world-class university with distinctive financial and economic characteristics. He expressed hope that attending experts will continue to care for, guide, and support the development of theoretical economics disciplines at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, particularly Marxist political economy, and contribute valuable suggestions for the university’s high-quality development.
In his speech, President Hu Lemin stated that this annual conference will focus on eight important topics, including Xi Jinping Economic Thought, cutting-edge Western economic theories, the history of foreign economic thought and schools of economics, new developments in foreign Marxist economics, the evolution of economic thought in the era of artificial intelligence, foreign economic theories and the construction of an independent knowledge system in Chinese economics, theoretical and practical issues of further deepening comprehensive reforms, and the development of Western market economies and the construction of a high-level socialist market economy system. He emphasized that these topics inherit the traditional themes of the society’s annual conferences while closely following current hot issues. The core goal is to scientifically and reasonably draw on foreign economic theories to promote the construction of an independent knowledge system in Chinese economics. He hoped that the attending delegates would actively offer suggestions and advice to provide valuable insights for the conference and contribute to the prosperity and development of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Additionally, President Hu shared his recent research findings on economic analysis concerning "connectivity," emphasizing that "connectivity" and "division of labor" are two aspects of the same process, and that the specialization and scaling resulting from "division of labor" can only be realized through the effective guarantee of "connectivity."
The opening ceremony was hosted by Professor Zhou Yahong, Dean of the School of Economics at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.
02. Keynote Report
The keynote session of the conference was chaired by Professor Ding Xiaoqin, Vice Secretary-General of the Society and Deputy Dean of the School of Marxism at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.
Professor Cheng Enfu, Honorary President of the Society and Member of the Academic Division of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, delivered the keynote speech on the current changes in the international political and economic landscape. Professor Cheng analyzed several structural phenomena in the current global system, mainly including: the impact of structural advantages in the international monetary system on resource allocation, imbalances in cross-border capital flows, the instrumental use of non-economic means in international affairs, cultural infiltration in geopolitical games, and the complex situation in the security domain. He emphasized the necessity to analyze these phenomena from a Marxist perspective and called on Chinese scholars to deepen theoretical research in related areas to strive for the discourse power of developing countries.
03. First Phase of Conference Presentations
The first phase of the conference presentations was chaired by Professor Zhang Xu, Director of the Political Economy Research Office at the Institute of Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Five experts and scholars shared their insights.
Professor Yan Pengfei, Advisor to the Society and professor at the School of Economics and Management, Wuhan University, delivered a keynote on "Research on Key Textbooks of Western Economics in the Marxist Project."
Professor Li Ling, Vice President of the Society and professor at the National School of Development, Peking University, delivered a keynote on "AI and New Economics."
Professor Zhang Xian, Vice President of the Society and professor at the School of Economics, Sichuan University, delivered a keynote on "Several Issues of Total Factor Productivity (TFP)."
Professor Wu Shanlin, Vice President of the Society and professor at the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, delivered a keynote entitled "Building an Independent Chinese Economic Knowledge System — Unique Practices, Recognition of Patterns, and Systematic Knowledge."
Professor Zhuang Ziyin from the School of Economics and Management, Wuhan University, delivered a keynote on "Agglomeration of Innovative Human Capital in Enterprises and Breakthrough Innovation — From the Perspective of Integrating Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Innovative Human Capital."
04. Second Phase of Conference Presentations
The second phase of the conference presentations was chaired by Professor Mao Peihua, Deputy Dean of the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Five experts and scholars shared their insights.
Professor Yang Huta, Vice President of the Society and professor at the Institute of Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, delivered a keynote on "Overlapping Transformations and Breakthrough Paths Towards a High-Income Stage: Comparisons and Prospects."
Professor Zhang Lin, Vice President of the Society and Dean of the School of Economics, Yunnan University, delivered a keynote on "Development and Issues of DSGE Models."
Professor Xu Zerong, Vice President of the Society and professor at the School of Economics, Capital University of Economics and Business, delivered a keynote on "Evaluating Samuelson's Theory of Market Economy."
Researcher Hou Weimin from the Institute of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, delivered a keynote on "The Material Production Dimension and Path Innovation of Chinese-style Modernization."
Associate Professor Zhao Zhun from the School of Marxism, Tsinghua University, delivered a keynote on "Financing Feedback Mechanisms for Large-Scale Capital Goods under Construction and Macroeconomic Stability — Key Terms in the Minsky Financial Instability Hypothesis."
05. Sub-forums
On the afternoon of April 19, four parallel sub-forums were held simultaneously at the School of Economics at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Associate Professor Li Bangxi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Society and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Deputy Director of the Economics Institute at Tsinghua University; Professor Hong Gongxiang, former Party Secretary of the Business School of Anhui University of Technology; Professor He Lilong, Deputy Secretary-General and Assistant Dean of the School of Economics at Sichuan University; Professor Wang Yong from Civil Aviation University of China; Professor Zhang Xian from the School of Economics at Sichuan University; and Professor Gao Yu, Head of the Department of Economics at the School of Economics and Management at Northwest University, respectively presided over and evaluated the first sub-forum titled "The Academic Rationalization of Xi Jinping's Economic Thought and Research on Building an Independent Chinese Knowledge System." Professor Fan Zhiyong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Economics, Renmin University of China; Professor Bai Ruixue, School of Economics and Business Administration, Beijing Normal University; Professor Wang Jun, Dean of the Graduate School of Capital University of Economics and Business; Associate Professor Chen Bo, School of Economics at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics; Professor Liu Wei, Dean of the School of Continuing Education at Dongguan University of Technology; and Professor Yan Jinqiang from the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, respectively presided over and evaluated the second sub-forum "New Developments in Mainstream and Non-mainstream Theories of Western Economics." Associate Professor Wang Lin from the School of Economics at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shen Min from the Academic Monthly magazine, Professor Zhang Haifeng from the School of Economics and Management at Guangxi Normal University, Professor Qiao Xiaonan from the School of Economics at Nankai University, Professor Chen Yin'e from the School of Economics and Management at Changsha University of Science and Technology, and Associate Professor Li Lili from the School of Economics, Renmin University of China, each chaired and evaluated the third sub-forum "Research on the History of Foreign Economic Thought and Schools of Economics." Chen Yan, Researcher at Fujian Forum magazine; Du Lei, Deputy Director of the Editorial Department of Economic Horizontal; Professor Wang Chaoke from the School of Marxism at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics; Professor Du Wencui, Dean of the School of Economics at Capital University of Economics and Business; Professor Zhang Hongmei, Dean of the School of Economics at Jilin University of Finance and Economics; and Wu Jun, Deputy Editor of the Journal of Renmin University of China, respectively presided over and evaluated the fourth sub-forum titled "Classic Marxist Theories and Research on Chinese Economic Issues." Guests engaged in lively exchanges and discussions on related topics, with clear themes and harmonious atmosphere, attracting broad participation from experts, scholars, and students.
06. Academic Journal Session
On the evening of April 19, a special conference on academic journals was held in Room 710 of the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.
Professor Mao Peihua, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Chinese Association for Foreign Economic Theories and Researcher at the Institute of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Associate Dean of the School of Economics at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, jointly chaired the meeting. Editorial representatives from journals such as Marxism Studies, Academic Monthly, Journal of the Central Party School of the CPC (National Academy of Governance), Shanghai Economic Research, Social Sciences, Contemporary Economic Research, Fujian Forum, Economic Review, and Journal of Hebei University of Economics and Business introduced the selection criteria for each journal and offered suggestions for academic writing.
April 20
01. First Session of Conference Speeches
On the morning of April 20, the second-day keynote speeches of the conference were held in Room 502, Auxiliary Building, School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Professor Zhu Guoping, Vice President of Jilin University of Finance and Economics, presided over the first session of keynote speeches, during which five experts and scholars shared their insights.
Professor Chen Zhao, Vice Dean of the School of Economics, Fudan University, delivered a keynote speech titled "Foreign Economic Theories and the Construction of an Autonomous Knowledge System of Chinese Economics."
Professor Ma Yan of the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, presented a keynote speech on "Innovative Research on the Political Economy of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics Based on CSSA."
Professor Wang Chaoke from the School of Marxism, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, delivered a keynote speech titled "The Logical Structure of Xi Jinping’s Economic Strategic Thought for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era."
Professor Qiao Xiaonan, Associate Secretary-General of the Society and professor at the School of Economics, Nankai University, delivered a keynote speech titled "National Progress Together: Dual Structural Changes in the Ownership and Social Reproduction Network in the New Era."
Associate Professor Li Lili from the School of Economics, Renmin University of China, shared a keynote speech on "The Academic Genealogy of Foreign Economic Thought in China."
02. Second Session of Conference Speeches
Professor Zou Wei, Vice President of the Society and from the School of Economics and Management, Wuhan University, presided over the second session of keynote speeches, during which six experts and scholars exchanged their insights.
Professor He Aiping, from the Research Center for Political Economy of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, Northwest University, delivered a keynote speech titled "Deep Understanding of the Significant Importance of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Discourses on High-Level Opening-Up—Based on Marx’s Globalization Thought."
Researcher Chen Guozheng from the Economic Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, presented a keynote speech on "The Transformation from Digital Economy to Digital Civilization."
Professor Li Zhengtu from the School of International Finance and Trade, Shanghai International Studies University, delivered a keynote speech titled "A Theoretical Interpretation of Smoothing the National Economic Circulation."
Professor Liu Gang, Vice President of Qufu Normal University, delivered a keynote speech titled "New-Type Productive Forces Supporting High-Quality Development: The 'Productive System Clues' of Political Economy."
Professor Bai Junhong, Dean of the Business School, Nanjing Normal University, delivered a keynote speech on "Accelerating the Upgrading of Traditional Industries and Developing New-Type Productive Forces."
Professor He Lilong, Associate Dean and Assistant to the Dean of the School of Economics, Sichuan University, and Associate Secretary-General of the Society, delivered a keynote speech titled "Chinese Excellent Traditional Culture, the Demographic Dividend of Migrant Workers, and China’s Economic Growth."
03. Sub-Forums
Subsequently, the conference summarized the academic discussions of each sub-forum from the past day in the form of group reports. The sub-forum reports were chaired by Researcher Zhang Jiangang from the Institute of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Professor Wang Yong from Civil Aviation University of China, Professor Yan Jinqiang from the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Associate Professor Li Lili from the School of Economics, Renmin University of China, and Associate Professor Sun Yexia from the School of Marxism, Northeast Normal University, each delivered summary speeches on the four parallel sub-forums.
04. Closing Ceremony
Finally, the conference entered the agenda of the closing ceremony. The closing ceremony was chaired by Vice President and Secretary-General of the Society, Researcher Yang Jing from the Institute of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. On behalf of the society, she reported to the conference on the proposed addition of executive council members and council members, the proposed launch of the "Economic Thought History and Contemporary Frontier Issues Workshop," and solicited opinions.
Professor Zhang Guanghui from the School of Economics, Liaoning University, spoke on behalf of the organizers of the 34th Annual Academic Conference of the Chinese Society of the History of Foreign Economic Thought in 2026. He first expressed gratitude on behalf of the School of Economics, Liaoning University, to the Chinese Society of the History of Foreign Economic Thought and to the current host, the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. He introduced the basic situation of the School of Economics, Liaoning University, to the attending experts and scholars. He emphasized that Liaoning University will uphold a high sense of responsibility, establish a dedicated working group, draw on the experiences of past conferences, and refine every aspect of the agenda, academic quality, and service provisions. The future conference will both inherit the academic mission of the society and showcase regional cultural characteristics, aiming to create an academic event that is "warm, profound, and substantial." Finally, he extended a sincere invitation to the attending experts and scholars: "In 2026, let us gather in Shenyang, listen to the echoes of history beneath the palace city walls, and jointly create a new chapter of scholarship by the banks of the Hun River."
Professor Wu Shanlin, Vice President of the Society and from the School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, delivered the conference summary. He first emphasized that the main themes of this conference were keeping pace with the times, closely engaging with China's reality, and researching foreign economic thought. Numerous scholars presented the latest research and engaged in in-depth discussions in four major areas: the theorization of Xi Jinping's economic thought and the construction of an independent Chinese knowledge system, research on new developments in mainstream and non-mainstream Western economic theories, the history of foreign economic thought and schools of economics, and the study of Marxist classical theory and Chinese economic issues. He further stated that under the leadership of President Hu Leming, and with the support of experts, scholars, and journals, the society will continue to implement the purpose of "promoting Marxism-Leninism, striving for innovation, drawing on others' experiences, and understanding national conditions," continuously enhancing the characteristics and quality of its conferences. Finally, Professor Wu Shanlin expressed his special thanks to the hosting and organizing units for providing platform support, offering valuable opportunities for academic exchange and friendship, and officially announced the successful conclusion of the conference.
Conference Summary
At this year's Annual Academic Conference of the Chinese Society for the Study of Foreign Economic Theories, participating experts and scholars adhered to the guidance of Marxism and conducted in-depth and wide-ranging academic discussions on multiple important topics. The society established a high-level platform for academic dialogue, promoting the exchange and integration of ideas both domestically and internationally. This not only demonstrated the truth power of Marxist economics but also advanced the broadening of research perspectives and the deepening of theoretical innovation. The outcomes of this annual conference have not only enhanced the academic community's dialectical understanding of foreign economic theories but also injected intellectual momentum into the construction of an independent Chinese economic theoretical system and the service of high-quality development in the new era. It vividly exemplifies the responsibility of academic research to be rooted in China and to respond to the pressing questions of the times.
