Yang Lin, Party secretary of Yunnan University (YNU), led a delegation to the University of Valencia in Spain for the Second China-Spain Forum on Culture and Economy, which was jointly held by the two universities, from March 3 to 9.

The forum is held every two years with its location alternating between Kunming, capital of Yunnan province and Valencia in Spain. 

The city of Valencia was a historically significant silk trading center along the ancient Silk Road in the Mediterranean region. A silk trading hall was established from 1482 to 1533, and is well preserved today. 

In 1996, the trading hall was included in the World Cultural Heritage List. 

Considering the historical connections between Spain and China, the two universities decided to seal a framework to promote cooperation between higher institutes in Spain and the EU and China’s academic programming. 

In April 2016, the two universities held the first China and Spain Forum on Culture and Economy which brought together scholars from over 10 universities from China and South-east Asia and others from Spain and the EU. 

During the forum held two years ago, Li Yan, dean of the Institute of Cultural Development at YNU, delivered a keynote speech on resource allocation and China’s regional cultural industry. The YNU side also held discussions with universities in Spain and the EU towards a deeper partnership in more programs. 

During this year’s forum, Yang delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, stressing the significance of China’s One Belt and Road Initiative for win-win results for China and countries in the Mediterranean region. 

Yang, in his speech, also briefed the attendees on the development and achievements since the university made it onto the Double First-rate Program list, a national designation aiming to develop first-rate universities and disciplines that are competitive at world levels. 

Attendees at the forum shared their recent research findings and advice on boosting cultural industry and cooperation.

Yang Lin (L), party secretary of Yunnan University, talks to a representative from the University of Valencia during the second China-Spain Forum on Culture and Economy. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Attendees at the forum pose for a photograph. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Participants at the forum share their recent research findings in the cultural industry. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]