Professor Liao Fan Appointed to ERIA Governing Board as China’s Representative

Jakarta, 8 September 2026: The Government of China has appointed Professor Liao Fan, Director-General of the Institute of World Economics and Politics (IWEP) at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), as China's representative on the Governing Board of ERIA.

Professor Liao currently serves as Director-General and Senior Fellow at IWEP, CASS. An eminent expert in international economic law and governance, he brings extensive expertise in international trade, international financial systems, global economic governance, and financial and securities law. Prior to his current role, he served as Deputy Director-General of CASS' Bureau of International Cooperation.

Throughout his career, Professor Liao has played an active role in policy research and discussions on global openness, regional financial co-operation, and international trade law. He has led and participated in major research projects involving international and government institutions, including the World Bank, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), and the People's Bank of China (PBOC). In 2025, he co-directed the World Openness Report, which examined global openness trends, key trade issues, and international best practices.

His professional contributions also extend to arbitration and legal organisations. He is a standing council member of the Chinese Society of International Economic Law and Deputy Head of the Committee of International Financial Law of the China Law Society. He also serves as an arbitrator at the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) and the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA).

Professor Liao holds a Bachelor of Laws from the China Youth University of Political Studies, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Southern Methodist University, and a Doctor of Laws (PhD) from Peking University. He was also a visiting scholar at Columbia University Law School from 2006 to 2007.

His extensive experience in international economic governance and legal research will contribute to ERIA's strategic research agenda and policy dialogue. His appointment is expected to further strengthen co-operation between China and ERIA in support of regional economic integration, sustainable development, and evidence-based policymaking across ASEAN and East Asia.

The ERIA Governing Board is the Institute's highest decision-making body and comprises the Secretary-General of ASEAN and representatives from ERIA's 17 Member States.

Photo Credit: IWEP