28 November 2024
The 2024 CIBEL Global Network Conference, held on 20-21 November at UNSW Sydney, marked a milestone as it celebrated the 10th anniversary of CIBEL Centre. This event brought together experts and leaders from academia, industry, and government for two days of engaging discussions on ‘Restoring Global Supply Chains: From Regulatory Divergence to Connectivity and Coherence’.
CIBEL Centre Co-Director Associate Professor Weihuan Zhou delivered an opening address.
The conference commenced with an opening address by Associate Professor Weihuan Zhou, Co-Director of CIBEL Centre, setting the stage for discussions on the evolving landscape of global trade and supply chains. The first day featured a series of thought-provoking sessions, starting with Panel 1 ‘Trade, Investment and Global Supply Chains’, chaired by Professor Lisa Toohey (UNSW). Speakers, including Mr Doug Drummond (DFAT), Helen Zhi Dent (KPMG Australia), Assistant Professor Xueji Su (University of Macau), and Associate Professor Jianguo Hu (Nankai University), explored the challenges and opportunities in trade and supply chain dynamics.
Panel 2, chaired by Professor Colin Picker (RMIT), brought together an incredible lineup of thought leaders to explore one of the most pressing topics in today’s interconnected world: ‘Global Supply Chains Amid Geopolitical Uncertainties’. Expert speakers Mr Patrick Mayoh (ACBC NSW), Professor Vivienne Bath (The University of Sydney), Mr Carl Hinze (K&L Gates), and Professor Wei Shen (Shanghai JiaoTong University) provided insights on topics ranging from critical minerals to export controls, and from Australia-China trade relations to the intricacies of WTO, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation to navigate these challenges.
Panel 3 titled ‘Global Supply Chains from the Perspective of Selected Industries’, led by Associate Professor Weihuan Zhou, provided a closer look at global supply chains from the perspective of selected industries, offering diverse insights into how regulatory, environmental, and economic realities shape supply chains across sectors. Esteemed speakers, Professor James J. Nedumpara (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade), Associate Professor Liu (Singapore Management University), Professor Lingli Zheng (Nanjing Normal University) and Professor James Laurenceson (UTS), discussed topics from decarbonisation in the steel industry to the evolving dynamics of critical minerals, and from sustainable agriculture to Taiwan's tech challenges. This session highlighted the nuanced realities faced by key industries globally.
CIBEL 10th Anniversary remarks by CIBEL Co-Director Professor Deborah Healey.
The 10th Anniversary Celebration of CIBEL was the highlight of Day 1, with reflections from key figures who have shaped its success. Professor Colin Picker reflected on the vision behind CIBEL’s establishment, while CIBEL Co-Director Professor Deborah Healey recounted the many achievements of the past decade, showcasing how CIBEL has become a beacon of excellence in research, education, and impact. Associate Professor Weihuan Zhou shared a forward-looking vision for CIBEL’s continued growth and impact. This milestone event was an opportunity to reflect on the journey of the CIBEL Initiative and its profound impact on advancing research and collaboration in the field of international business and economic law.
The first day concluded with a powerful keynote address by Mr James Baxter, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the WTO. His speech underscored the importance of innovation in the multilateral trading system to navigate emerging challenges and seize new opportunities in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Group photo of conference organising committee, speakers and participants.
Day 2 began with Panel 4 ‘Technology, Digital Economy and Global Supply Chains’ which was chaired by CIBEL member Associate Professor Kun Fan. Mr Simon Lacey (World Economic Forum) explored the intersection between digital trade and geopolitics. Associate Professor Xiuyan Fei (East China University of Political Science and Law) dived into the evolving regulatory landscape for social media platforms. Associate Professor Jeanne Huang (University of Sydney) presented an insightful comparison of data governance frameworks and their implications for global digital trade, and Mr Charles Zhan (Moulis Legal) examined Electric Vehicles as both disruptors and battlegrounds in trade dynamics.
Panel 5 ‘Competition Law and Global Supply Chains’, chaired by Professor Deborah Healey, delved into the intersection of competition law and global supply chains. Dr Rhonda Smith (University of Melbourne) explored how competition law intersects with the complexities of global trade and supply chain dynamics. Associate Professor Kelvin Kwok (HKU) took a closer look at the influence of major retailers on global supply chain practices. Professor Alison Jones (Kings College London) shared her thoughts on how collaboration between competitors can drive sustainability within supply chains, and Dr Umair Ghori (Bond University) discussed how export restrictions shape the competitiveness and evolution of supply chains. This panel highlighted the pivotal role of competition law in fostering equitable, sustainable, and efficient global supply chain systems.
The conference also featured a Young Scholars Workshop, where emerging researchers offered great perspectives on topics like global value chains, critical minerals, and data regulation. In Session 1 of the workshop, Ms Ranchun Wang (Erasmus University Rotterdam) shared her research on ‘Enhancing Asia-Pacific Engagement in Global Value Chains under the EU’s Sustainable Corporate Governance Regulations’. Dr Natália Figueiredo (Federal University of São Paulo) spoke on ‘Brazil’s Regulatory Framework for Critical Minerals: Navigating Geopolitical Neutrality and Strategic Investment’. Dr Xiaomeng Qu (Southwest University of Political Science and Law) shared insights on ‘Data Regulation and Artificial Intelligence: The Practices of the US, the EU, and China’. Associate Professor Kun Fan and Associate Professor Weihuan Zhou guided this session and provided valuable feedback.
The conference concluded with Young Scholars Workshop Session 2, showcasing more cutting-edge research from emerging academics and offering a powerful close to an intellectually stimulating event. Mr Mohd Ziaolhaq Qazi Zada ( University of Wollongong ) shared his research on ‘The Impact of World Trade Organization Agreements on Supply Chains, Food Security, and the Way Forward’. Dr Yuanyuan Zhang, ( Ningxia University) presented on ‘Global Supply Chain Disruptions and International Investment Law: The Case of Export Controls’. Dr Tolulope Adekola, ( The University of Queensland) discussed ‘Navigating the Disruptions in Global Pharmaceutical Supply Chains: Policy and Regulatory Responses Post-Covid-19’ The session was expertly chaired by Dr Lu Wang (UNSW), with Mr Simon Lacey providing insightful and constructive commentary.
Once again, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all speakers, commentators, and participants who made this conference a great success. We look forward to seeing you next year!