Speaker: Associate Professor Zhu Jiong (Associate Professor, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University; Researcher, China Center for Agricultural Policy)

Moderator: Assistant Professor Yu Li (Li Anmin Institute of Economic Research, Liaoning University)

Guest Introducer: Assistant Professor Xiao Shukang (Li Anmin Institute of Economic Research, Liaoning University)

Time: September 11, 2026 (Friday), 10:00–11:30 (Beijing Time)

Venue: Meeting Room 483, Economics Building, Puhe Campus, Liaoning University

Language: Chinese/English

Abstract: This paper investigates the extent to which place-based policies affect cross-regional flows of private investment. Leveraging the implementation of the Paired Assistance Program in China, we find an increase in the volume of inward private investment flows originating from assisting cities and directed toward assisted cities. To quantify the implications of the inter-regional investment flows, we utilize a spatial equilibrium model where investment flows are determined endogenously to interpret our findings.

Speaker Profile:

Zhu Jiong is an Associate Professor at the School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, a Researcher at the China Center for Agricultural Policy, and a doctoral supervisor. He previously served as an Associate Professor at the School of Economics and the Wang Yanan Institute for Studies in Economics at Xiamen University. His research has been published in the European Economic Review, the Journal of Law and Economics, the Journal of Development Economics, the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Economic Research Journal, and Management World, among others. He has received the Second and Third Prizes for Outstanding Achievements in Humanities and Social Sciences from the Ministry of Education, the First Prize for Outstanding Achievements at the provincial level, and the Best Paper Award from the China Section of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association. He has been awarded the National Natural Science Foundation of China General Program, the Young Scientists Fund, and the Provincial Natural Science Foundation Young Scientists Fund. He has submitted policy reports to the central government that have been adopted and have produced certain policy impacts.