From September 17 to 21, our delegation was invited to Seoul, South Korea to attend the 18th Asian Social Forum.
The theme of this forum was the diversification of labor relations and sustainable economic and social development. Over 50 experts and scholars from the Chinese mainland, China’s Taiwan Region, Japan, and South Korea engaged in exchanges and discussions around the theme. President Li Deqi delivered a speech on behalf of the Chinese delegation, introducing the current situation and trends of labor relations in the Chinese mainland, as well as the role of trade unions in promoting harmonious labor relations. Associate Professor Qiao Jian, Professor Jiang Ying, and Associate Professor Shen Jianfeng presented dynamic reports and thematic speeches on topics such as "2013-2014: Labor Relations in China's Economic Restructuring" and "Current Situation, Issues, and Solutions to Labor Dispute Resolution in China". Scholars from Japan discussed issues related to the relaxation of labor regulations and union strategies in Japan, while scholars from South Korea focused on the tripartite mechanism of labor relations and labor policy issues. Scholars from China's Taiwan Region addressed topics such as labor market flexibility and legislative regulations in China’s Taiwan Region. The reports sparked lively discussions among participants, who delved into common issues faced by laborers, labor relations, and trade unions in East Asia, leading to the theme for the next forum - "Youth Employment Issues and Labor Relations."
During the forum, our delegation also visited Korea University and its School of Labor Studies. Vice President of Korea University and Director of the School of Labor Studies, Professor Dong-One Kim, warmly welcomed the delegation and provided detailed information on the teaching, research, disciplines, and talent cultivation, and discussed potential cooperation between the two universities. On the afternoon of the 19th, President Li Deqi and Director Dong-One Kim officially signed a cooperation agreement between the CULR and Korea University's School of Labor Studies, reaching a consensus on promoting student and teacher exchanges and learning. On the evening of the 19th, our delegation attended the 20th anniversary celebration of Korea University's School of Labor Studies.
The delegation, consisting of 13 members, participated in the 18th Asian Social Forum. Through academic discussions, they broadened their research perspectives, exchanged experiences, and further enhanced mutual understanding and friendly cooperation between the CULR and relevant universities and research institutions in South Korea, Japan, and China's Taiwan Region.
(Foreign Affairs Office)