Dr. Sun Liu, a Professor of International Law, will conduct a research project on U.S. foreign investment law and investment treaty practices with the objective of strengthening the investment links between the two countries.

Dr. Liu, 36, earned his Ph.D. in International Investment Law in June 2001 at Wuhan University, in his home province of Hubei. He is currently Dean of the Department of International Economic Law at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in Hubei Province. He will have arrived in San Diego on September 10.

According to its official web site, “The Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills.”

Thomas Jefferson Dean Rudy Hasl said, “The assignment of a Fulbright Scholar gives added credibility to the scholarly work of the faculty here at Thomas Jefferson.” He added, “Dr. Liu will work directly with professor and former dean Kenneth J. Vandevelde on important issues involving foreign investment policy applicable to the People’s Republic of China.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us,” said Professor Vandevelde, himself a world renowned expert on international investment. Vandevelde feels honored that Dr. Liu chose to do his fellowship at Thomas Jefferson, who could have chosen any of 180 U.S. law schools. "Dr. Liu could have applied to visit at any American law school,” he said. “That he asked to spend a year at Thomas Jefferson reflects the reputation that we have achieved worldwide in the field of international investment law."

Vandevelde said that Dr. Liu’s work can have significant impact on economic relations between the United States and China, which is now the fourth largest economy in the world, next to the U.S., Japan and Germany.

"China now receives more foreign investment than any other developing country in the world, but its potential is vastly greater,” added Vandevelde. “The United States, meanwhile, is the largest source of foreign investment in the world today. The potential for further economic cooperation between these two nations is tremendous.

Dr. Liu's proposed research at Thomas Jefferson on U.S. investment law will help to bridge the legal and cultural gap between these two great nations and thereby promote economic development and the rule of law in the world's most populous nation."

Dean Hasl noted that Dr. Liu’s presence at Thomas Jefferson “will also provide enriching opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with a Chinese scholar on important legal issues.”

Vandevelde agrees that Dr. Liu's extended presence at Thomas Jefferson will give both students and faculty an outstanding opportunity to learn more about the stunning changes taking place in China today and will augment the summer abroad program that Thomas Jefferson is inaugurating in China next year. He said, “Dr. Liu's presence also will give us the opportunity to create an enduring link between our two legal communities."

Fulbright recipients are among over 30,000 individuals participating in U.S. Department of State exchange programs each year. For more than 40 years, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has supported programs that seek to promote mutual understanding and respect between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Fulbright Scholar Program is administered by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars.

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