John Bachtler was one of three academic experts invited by the European Commission to participate in a high-level EU-China Regional Development Seminar held in Beijing on 15-16 May.
The aim of the seminar was to discuss the objectives, resources and governance of regional policy in the EU and China and to provide the basis for a memorandum of understanding, signed by Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner, which sets up an official forum for the European Commission and China to discuss regional policy issues.
The memorandum provides the framework through which the Commission's directorate general for Regional Policy and the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission will promote bilateral co-operation and exchange information on policies contributing to growth, competitiveness and employment.