Co-sponsored by All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Seminar on Diplomacy and Economy was held in Beijing on December 18, 2004.

Deputy Secretary General Wang Jinzhen of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Deputy Director General Guan Mu of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave reports on two respective topics: How Should Private Enterprises Go Global, and the Current Environment of Neighboring Countries and the Strategies of Going to Neighboring Countries. Wang Jinzhen introduced the general situation, development strategies, successful experience and major deficiencies of Chinese enterprises during the course of going global. Guan Mu introduced the situation of neighboring countries and elaborated on advantageous conditions and negative factors that Chinese enterprises face during the development process in neighboring countries. Director Fu Zhongshi of the Project Department of China Society for Promoting Guangcai Program, President's Advisor Duan Donglai of Chint Group Corporation, Chairman Chen Guorong of Wenzhou Dongyi Shoes-making Company, respectively introduced their experience and lessons during the course of going global.

On the afternoon, Director Li Gang of the Office of Europe Affairs of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce elaborated on the breakthroughs made in the economic and trade relations between China and the European Union, made in-depth analysis on New Opportunities Brought about by EU's eastward expansion and pointed out 10 major difficulties to be addressed in the economic and trade relations between China and EU.

Afterwards, participants were divided into 2 panels, namely, European and African Panel, Neighboring Countries and Latin American Panel, which were hosted by Director Wang Yajun of the Office of Economic Diplomacy and Cooperation and Counsellor Song Honghua of the Department of Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs respectively. As for the questions posed by participating entrepreneurs, Deputy Director General Zhang Hanhui of the Department of European and Asian Affairs, Deputy Director General Lu Shaye of the Department of African Affairs, Counsellor Wei Qiang of the Department of Latin American Affairs and several director-level leaders in the Department of European Affairs, who take charge of affairs related to Great Britain, France, Germany and EU, respectively introduced the situation of relevant regions and countries, bilateral relations and the problems that should be paid attention to in developing economic and trade relations with related countries. Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Sun Yuxi, Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Hu Shouqin and other diplomatic envoys introduced the situation of the countries that they are stationed, especially the assistance they can provide to private enterprises when they go global. Ambassador Sun Yuxi generalized the relations between diplomatic agencies and enterprises as follows: the diplomatic agencies should communicate with enterprises, serve as the bridge for enterprises and remove the difficulties of enterprises. His remarks were echoed with strong resonance. Entrepreneurs listened carefully to the introductions of the speakers and asked for suggestions to some practical problems they faced during the course of going global. The diplomats responded warmly. One and a half hours passed like a split of second in the warm discussion atmosphere. They felt that the time was so short to explore the discussion.

Deputy Secretary General Shen Jianguo of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce said in the summery that private entrepreneurs have mainly learned from the following three aspects during the seminar. Firstly, their visions were broadened and their confidence was built up. Secondly, they grasped the opportunity and acquired real knowledge. Thirdly, they got a clear understanding of the national polices and the principle of going global. Representatives expressed one after another that they wish to get more opportunities to communicate and exchange ideas with diplomats so that they can make better use of the diplomatic resources to develop their enterprises and make greater contributions to the economic construction of China.