On October 14, 2024, the Yunnan Social Science Experts Consultation and Research event kicked off in Ruili City, located in the Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture. This gathering marked the final research phase of this year’s grassroots initiative by social science experts.
Since its inception in 2003, the Yunnan social science experts grassroots initiative has encouraged scholars to leave their academic comforts and engage directly with local communities, providing valuable insights for economic and social development. The program has expanded to cover all 16 prefectures and cities in Yunnan, serving as a proactive effort by the social science community to embody the principles of “Four Powers” and support local progress. In 2021, this team was recognized as an outstanding contributor in the national “Three Going to the Countryside” cultural and technological initiative.
Recently, the 2024 program took its researchers to Baoshan City and Shangri-La in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where over 20 experts and scholars provided hands-on assistance and consultations for local socioeconomic issues.
The recent consultation in Ruili focuses on themes such as “open border development, strengthening industry and economy, promoting cultural tourism, enhancing specialized agriculture, and modernizing border governance.” Researchers will investigate various aspects of the city’s resource economy, industrial parks, port economy, and emerging trade models over five days. A team of eight experts from prestigious institutions, including Renmin University of China and Yunnan University, will engage with the local community through visits to the jewelry night market, border crossings, industrial zones, companies, and rural areas.
Ruili is known as the largest border city in the China-Myanmar region, earning titles like “Eastern Jewelry City” and “First Stop for Myanmar Jade.” It plays a crucial role as a bridge in trade between the two countries and is a significant hub for people, goods, and information in Southwest China.
During the event, Hai Jiang, Secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Social Science Federation, emphasized the importance of assembling a high-quality, influential expert team for the grassroots initiative. He expressed hope that their collaborative efforts would yield a comprehensive and satisfactory outcome. He encouraged the experts to adopt a practical approach, ensuring that they listen to diverse viewpoints while leveraging their expertise to propose actionable and pragmatic solutions.
Sun Jie, Deputy Secretary of the Dehong Prefectural Committee, highlighted the event’s focused theme and strong lineup of experts. He expressed anticipation that their consultations would provide vital insights and strategic guidance to Ruili, particularly in enhancing Dehong’s high-quality open-border development.
Mao Xiao, Standing Committee Member of the Dehong Prefectural Committee and Secretary of the Ruili Municipal Committee, assured that they would provide comprehensive support for the experts, striving to transform research outcomes into concrete actions for the city’s socioeconomic advancement.
