Profile of Prof. Yuejiao Zhang

Prof. Yuejiao Zhang is a well-established professor of law, veteran legislator of trade related laws and distinguished negotiator and arbitrator for international trade disputes. During the past four decades of her career, the most notable of her many achievements was her appointment in 2008 as a member of the WTO's Appellate Body by the Organisation's Dispute Settlement Body.

She was one of China's chief negotiators on intellectual property and was involved in the preparation of China's patent law, trade mark law, and copyright law. In addition, she served as counseling attorney to facilitate China's re-entry into the GATT.

Fluent in English and French, Prof. Zhang held various positions at the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Western African Development Bank.

A Citation for Honorary Fellow Prof. Yuejiao ZHANG

Prof. Yuejiao ZHANG is a well-established professor of law, veteran legislator of trade related laws and distinguished negotiator and arbitrator for international trade disputes. During the past four decades of her career, the most notable of her many achievements was her appointment in 2008 as a member of the WTO's Appellate Body by the Organisation's Dispute Settlement Body. This is an honour which recognises her authority and expertise in law and international trade and, above all, her integrity as an arbitrator.

In 1981-1982, she studied at Columbia University and Georgetown University, and obtained a Master of Laws degree from the latter. In 1986 and the decade that followed, she served as China's principal negotiator for settling agreements on intellectual property rights with other nations. She was engaged in drafting China's Patent Law, Trademark Law, and Copy Right Law. In addition, she served as counseling attorney to facilitate China's re-entry into the GATT.

In 1988, Prof. Zhang was elected by all member countries of UNIDROIT as Governor and Expert. She worked for this international organisation for eight years on the preparation of several international conventions related to international trade and financial leasing.

From 1998 to 2004, Prof. Zhang held a number of key positions at the Asian Development Bank, including the Chairperson of the Appeals Committee of the ADB and Chief of the ADB's European Bureau. Prior to that, she also served as Director General of the Treaty and Law Department, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of China, responsible for drafting Foreign Investment Law and Foreign Trade Law, etc.

At the invitation of Zhou Xiaochuan, Governor of the People's Bank of China, Prof. Zhang became the first Director of the West African Development Bank, China. In this capacity, she was actively involved in promoting goodwill between China and the West African countries, as well as the development of China's private enterprises in West Africa.

With more than thirty years of experience in practicing international trade law, arbitrating over three hundred dispute cases, Prof. Zhang is widely recognised for her authority and integrity in her field. Her high reputation has been further enhanced by her four-year term on the WTO Appellate Body (from June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2012). As a member and currently Chair of the Appellate Body, she has demonstrated an impeccable expertise that brought honours both to herself and her country.

On May 7, 2010, on the eve of UIC's second graduating ceremony, Prof. Zhang visited the College and gave a talk on “The Path to the WTO: China's Quest for Talents in a Globalized World” at the 28th High Table Dinner. She reminisced about the hardships and highlights in the long process of her self-fulfillment, sharing with our students her views and advice. Behind the facade of the dazzling glory accorded her, there have been long days and sleepless nights of sustained effort. She is an exemplary embodiment of the Whole Person Education vision which UIC upholds as its ultimate mission. All UICers should strive to emulate her achievements.

Mr. Chairman, in recognition of Prof. Yuejiao Zhang's distinguished contribution to China and the international community, and in appreciation of her support of this College, it is my privilege to present her to you for the award of an Honorary Fellowship.