On April 2, 2014, after being on the books for over a year and after several months of preparation, the seminar on China's economy, titled “Why China? How China?” was successfully held by the Confucius Institute at Bangor University. The Reichel Hall at BU conference center was fully packed. Hundreds of attendees, including scholars, businessmen, and government officials from places like Wales, Ireland, Birmingham and London, had turned up on the day.

In the morning session, eight guest speakers were arranged to relate their views on their China-related economic activities, relate their personal experiences within China, and share their insights on Chinese culture. The question and answer session and informal meetings in the afternoon then provided the attendees with ample opportunities to communicate with each other.

The British television channel ITV covered the conference, airing the footage the same day. This broadcast helped to extend the influence of the Confucius Institute.

After the meeting, the Confucius Institute received plenty of positive feedback from all sides.

Mr. David, Executive Dean of The Confucius Institute, hosting the conference

Harp performance at the beginning, and Guzheng in the interval

ITV interview

Wonderful speeches by eight guest speakers

Prof. Zhang Liying co-hosted the “Q&A part” with Mr. David

The venue of the consultation