Committed to the principle of combining research with pedagogy, theoretical research with applied research, and research with social services, SIFT is actively engaged in research activities, highlighted by the continuous efforts to improve its key academic disciplines in order to make an overall improvement in its curriculum, programs and academic disciplines. Focusing on the research of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the multilateral trading system, it brings unique capabilities to research by strengthening process control based on project management, expanding research dimensions based on research teams, and fostering dynamic research atmosphere based on academic exchange platforms. SIFT plays a leading role in the research of the WTO in China. In 1986, under the initiatives of late Professor Wang Yaotian, the GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) Shanghai Research Center, now known as the WTO Shanghai Research Center, was established and the journal of WTO Focus was launched. The research center has produced many important publications, such as the Overview of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the Final Act of the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, and the Results of the Urugua

y Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations, making an important contribution to China’s efforts to resume the contracting party status of GATT and the

accession to the WTO. Commissioned by the Shanghai Municipal Government, the Shanghai WTO Affairs Consultation Center was established in 2000, led by Professor Wang Xinkui. Focusing on the research of the WTO, SIFT has undertaken many research projects commissioned by the state or by different provinces and ministries. Many academic papers have been issued and a great number of books, translations and textbooks have been published, winning such awards as An Zijie International Trade Research Award. The Annual WTO Forum, jointly organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation of Germany and SIFT has also become an influential forum in the academic circle at home and abroad.