The Annual Conference Series on International Economic Integration (CIECI)
With the goal of building the University of Economics and Business - Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-UEB) into a research-oriented university ranked among the top universities in Asia, the University of Economics and Business places special emphasis on forming and developing strong research groups. This aims to foster knowledge creation and dissemination through the organization of many international scientific conferences, especially the annual series of conferences on International Economic Cooperation and Integration (CIECI).
The idea of CIECI was proposed when the VNU's strong research group on international economic integration was established, with the purpose of creating regular, high-level professional forums for exchange among scientists and experts both domestically and internationally on emerging and important issues related to international economic integration. The series also aims to provide timely and effective policy implications for Vietnam in the context of deepening economic integration and rapidly changing global economic conditions.
The first two international workshops, CIECI 2013 and CIECI 2014, focused on the theme of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
The 2013 CIECI Workshop had the theme “Joining the ASEAN Community: International Experiences and Implications for Vietnam." Held in Hanoi in 2013, this workshop focused on global economic integration experiences, the participation of ASEAN countries in the AEC, and lessons for Vietnam’s participation in AEC. The event attracted both domestic and international delegates, receiving positive media and academic attention and helping raise awareness of the AEC in society.
At the end of 2014, VNU’s University of Economics and Business, in cooperation with the Central Economic Commission, organized the 2014 CIECI international workshop, themed “Towards the ASEAN Economic Community and Policy Suggestions for Vietnam." The event, held in Ho Chi Minh City in collaboration with the University of Economics - Law, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, evaluated the impacts of new international contexts on the AEC, including East Asian integration, EU issues, China’s strategy, and their effects on AEC. This workshop drew significant social interest, promoting research networks among economic universities and contributing to Vietnam’s preparations for the AEC's formation in late 2015.
Following the workshops on ASEAN regional integration in 2015, the University of Economics and Business co-organized CIECI 2015, themed “East Asian Economic Integration and Implications for Vietnam," with the Interagency Steering Committee for International Economic Integration. This event discussed the expanding integration process between ASEAN and three key Northeast Asian partners: China, South Korea, and Japan. Through presentations by both domestic and international experts, as well as government representatives and businesses, the workshop provided a platform for Vietnamese scholars and experts to discuss East Asian integration and analyze opportunities and challenges for Vietnamese businesses, offering policy recommendations for the government and enterprises to effectively integrate into the region.
The CIECI 2015 Workshop, “East Asian Economic Integration and Implications for Vietnamese Enterprises,” was held in Hanoi on August 22, 2015.
In addition to ASEAN and East Asian economic integration, another important research focus of the University has been the development of border trade in general and research on the construction and development of cross-border economic zones between Vietnam and neighboring countries. Workshops on this topic include the 2016 CIECI Workshop on "Border Trade Development: International Experiences and Implications for Vietnam." Presentations at this workshop covered topics such as border trade management policies, characteristics of border trade (both goods and services), and priority areas for border trade development, offering lessons for Vietnam in developing and managing this important economic activity, especially for the Northwest region.
Associate Professor Ha Van Hoi presented research on developing the Northwest region, an ongoing project by the University of Economics and Business
The 2017 CIECI Workshop, themed “Theoretical Issues and International Experiences in the Construction, Management, and Development of Cross-border Economic Zones (CBEZs)," and the 2028 CIECI Workshop on "Trade and Investment Facilitation in Cross-border Economic Zones," featured participation from senior cooperation experts from the Asian Development Bank. These experts shared both theoretical and practical insights on the development of CBEZs in the Greater Mekong Subregion. In the context of increasing economic cooperation among neighboring countries sharing borders, this workshop series has drawn significant attention from policymakers, scholars, researchers, and businesses both domestically and internationally. The research group at VNU’s University of Economics and Business has made significant contributions to discussions on whether Vietnam should develop CBEZs, and if so, how to build, manage, and develop them efficiently.
CIECI 2018
The 2018 CIECI workshop, “Trade and investment facilitation in Cross border onomic Zones (CBEZs)”, received enthusiastic and thoughtful contributions from participating scholars regarding the presented papers. The discussions focused on the impact and policies to promote formal trade, general and specific conditions for the establishment of cross-border economic zones, particularly the policy consensus between Vietnam and neighboring countries (China, Laos, and Cambodia); forecasts of trade relations between Vietnam and these countries; and suggestions for developing different aspects of CBEZs (such as logistics service cooperation between neighboring countries, infrastructure connectivity in transportation, trade, investment, and policy mechanisms). The scholars also provided recommendations on the areas that the research team should focus on for further analysis, in order to improve the project and propose viable models and roadmaps for CBEZs that suit the actual conditions of Vietnam, China, Laos, and Cambodia.
The 2018 CIECI Workshop on “Facilitating Trade and Investment in Cross-Border Economic Zones” was held in Hanoi on February 5, 2018.
CIECI 2019
On September 18, 2019, University of Economics and Business – Vietnam National University, Hanoi, in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Duluth (USA), National Chengchi University and Foreign Trade University Hanoi, organized the international CIECI 2019 Workshop on “The Dynamics of International Trade and Global Supply Chains.” The workshop focused on issues of international trade and global supply chains in the context of the U.S.-China trade war, tightened global financial conditions, and the development of the digital economy and circular economy. After more than three months of preparation, the organizing committee received many high-quality papers covering five main topics: (1) Macroeconomic context and its impact on global supply chains and international trade; (2) Changes in global supply chains in the new context, with a focus on ASEAN and Vietnam’s participation in the global supply chain; (3) Changes in international trade in the new context; (4) International economic cooperation among ASEAN countries; (5) Corporate governance and energy issues in the new context.
The delegates also took commemorative photos.
CIECI 2020
In its seventh year, CIECI 2020 focused on issues of economic integration and global economic turbulence (such as COVID-19 and the U.S.-China trade war), Vietnam’s international economic integration progress, and key highlights. It also explored the impact of international economic integration, particularly the new-generation free trade agreements (CPTPP, EVFTA, etc.), on Vietnam’s trade and investment, as well as Vietnam’s efforts to facilitate trade and investment in the context of global upheaval. The workshop also discussed the outcomes of policies aimed at swiftly and sustainably recovering the economy in response to global disruptions.
The theme for the 2020 CIECI Workshop was “International trade and investment facilitation in the context of global upheaval”.
CIECI 2021
The workshop addressed the global race to tackle digital and green transitions, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The success of these transitions has been evident, helping humanity adapt to unprecedented challenges, mitigating the disruptions in economic chains, goods circulation, and the development of the economy, education, and society. The workshop had a wide-reaching impact, helping Vietnam accelerate its effective integration into the digital and green economies.
The theme of the 2021 CIECI Workshop was International trade and Investment towards Green and Digital Transformation”
CIECI 2022
In light of the difficulties in reaching multilateral agreements and the unpredictable fluctuations in the global economy, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)—especially new-generation FTAs—have become ideal tools for countries, including Vietnam, to deepen their integration into the global economy. CIECI 2022 aimed to discuss the opportunities and challenges posed by FTAs and to provide experiences, lessons, and directions for countries to leverage FTAs in their economic development.
The theme for CIECI 2022 was “International Economic Integration: The Journey to the New-Generation FTAs.”
CIECI 2023
The workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, state managers, scientists, and business leaders to add comprehensive and accurate scientific and practical grounds for enhancing the positive effects of international economic integration and participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs) on Vietnam's sustainable development goals. By connecting domestic and international experts, scholars, lecturers, students, and businesses, the workshop helped promote innovation, development, and improved the quality of economic and business education at universities, in the context of deep international economic integration.
The theme for CIECI 2023 was “Evolving Global Value Chains particiaption into Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development.”
