On June 19, 2023, the School of Finance held the “Initial Meeting of Academic Forum for Teachers and the First Seminar on Developing Financial History of China”. Distinguished Professor Meng Wei and a number of faculty members participated in this seminar. The academic forum was hosted by Prof. Cui Jie, Vice Dean of the School of Finance.

Prof. Li Jingping, Dean of the School, led a review of the research history and disciplinary advantages of Shanxi University of Finance and Economics in financial history, revisited the great contributions made by Kong Xiangyi in financial history, and pointed out the direction of the scientific research development of the School, hoping that the young teachers and doctoral students would combine their own research, inherit the distinctive research of Shanxi University of Finance and Economics in financial history to develop new academic specialties and features of the Finance.

Dr. Wu Hanzhang, a young teacher, shared “Introduction and Thinking on Chinese Financial History Papers”, which sorted out the research of domestic scholars on Chinese financial history, categorized and analyzed them from the perspectives of research themes, research methods, research directions, etc.. Furthermore, he looked forward to the cross-research related to the financial history, providing participants with a research basis for learning and understanding the financial history.

Sun Changqing is a senior teacher who studies the history of Shanxi (Jin) merchants in the School of Finance. Mr. Sun introduced the history of the research and academic achievements of the School on the Shanxi Exchange Shop to the young scholars, and encouraged them to give full play to their specialties, learn from the philosophy of “I take what others leave behind” in the development of Shanxi (Jin) merchants, and explore financial history which is studied by few researchers.

Mao Chenggang recalled his mentor Kong Xiangyi’s teaching that “all history is contemporary history”, and encouraged the young scholars to have a historical critical thinking and realize the unity of history and logic. When encountering problems, we should learn from history and get inspired. From his own research experience, Mao urged the young scholars to actively learn and discuss with famous scholars and experts to continuously improve their scientific research ability. At the end of the speech, he expressed his willingness to support the growth of the new generation in financial history.

Zhang Hongyan shared her views on the current problems in the study of financial history, pointing out that for the study of financial history, we should rise to the challenge, shoulder the responsibility of research, restore the truth of history, learn from history, and discover the laws from history to predict the future.

Meng Wei, Distinguished Professor of the School of Finance, had an in-depth communication with the participating young teachers, answered the relevant questions raised by them, and provided the targeted guidance.

The seminar came to an end with warm applause. The School of Finance will further explore the development of the discipline of financial history with special characteristics, and devote to building a bridge between history and reality, to realize the inheritance and innovation of financial history research.