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China is focus of economics lecture series

Oct. 12, 2010

KALAMAZOO--Six nationally and internationally recognized economists will address U.S. economic relations with China as part of the 2010-11 Werner Sichel Lecture Series at Western Michigan University.

Now in its 47th year, the speaker series brings highly regarded economists to the area to discuss timely and important economic issues. The theme of this year's series is "Dragon vs. Eagle: The Chinese Economy and U.S.-China Economic Relations."

2010-11 Werner Sichel Lecture Series
Wednesdays 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Room 2028 Brown Hall

Oct. 20--Dr. Robert Koopman, acting director for the Office of Operations at the United States International Trade Commission, "Value Chains in Global Production Networks--China and Asia in a Global Context."

Nov. 10--Dr. Terry Sicular, professor and undergraduate director, Department of Economics, University of Western Ontario, "Inequality in China: Challenges to a Harmonious Society."

Dec. 1--Dr. John Giles, senior labor economist, Development Research Group, World Bank, "Rural to Urban Migration and the Well-Being of China's Rural Elderly."

Jan. 12--Dr. Gary Jefferson, Carl Marks Professor of International Trade and Finance, Department of Economics and International Business School, Brandies University, "Foreign Direct Investment, Technology Spillover and Income Inequality in China."

March 16--Dr. Thomas G. Rawski, professor of economics and history, University of Pittsburgh, "China's Economy: Historical Legacies and Modern Growth."

April 6--Dr. Zhiwu Chen, professor of finance, School of Management, Yale University, "China in 2049."

Dr. Robert Koopman (Wednesday, Oct. 20) received his doctoral degree in economics in 1985 from Boston College. As acting director of the U.S. International Trade Commission, he oversees its trade policy research and negotiation assistance provided to U.S. trade representatives and Congress, antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, unfair imports adjudication and maintenance of the harmonized tariff system.

Koopman's regular position, since 1999, is as chief economist and director of the trade commission's Office of Economics. In that position, he provides economic analysis and support for the commission's role as adviser to Congress and the president on international trade matters. In addition, he teaches graduate classes in advanced international trade and trade and economic development at Georgetown University.

Koopman's most recent research interests are focused on understanding the links between trade and economic growth, estimating value added along global supply chains and examining advanced technology product trade between the United States and China. In addition to building highly effective policy-relevant research programs with U.S. governmental agencies, Koopman has developed award-winning technical-assistance and capacity-building programs in the transition economies and developing countries.

The Sichel Series is organized by the WMU Department of Economics.

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Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

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