On the morning of Sept. 21 in the hall of the Main Building, the new Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, Henry Paulson, held an informal meeting with Tsinghua Students, including over 100 students from Tsinghua SEM. Secretary Paulson discussed various topics with students including the change of Sino-American relations, the opening of China’s financial market, the export of domestic products to the U.S.A., the protection of the environment and his expectations about family life and qualifications of business talent. The meeting was hosted by Professor Xie Weihe, Vice President of the Tsinghua University. Over 30 domestic and foreign media attended.

Secretary Paulson gave a brief opening speech, in which he emphasized the importance of the Sino-American trade relationship, in which there are clear common interests for both sides. Paulson said, “Ever since President Bush visited China four years ago, changes have happened in both countries. China and the U.S.A. have extensive common interests, which make the Sino-American cooperation important and a priority amongst the American government’s foreign relationships. The American government looks forward to strengthening dialogues and cooperation with China on a series of important issues.”

Paulson advocated an open Chinese financial market. He suggested that every country should try its best to open its financial market and participate in international competition. He pointed out that a healthy and strong financial system, monetary market and banking system is crucial to the continuing and healthy development of a country’s economy. He said that an open Chinese financial market can promote effective investments from foreign corporations and the involvement of MNCs will provide more training and job opportunities in China, which can help alleviate China’s employment problem. The formerchairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs told students that integrity and honesty are the qualities that he values most in personnel recruitment. He also said that he values team spirit, creativity and interest in work.

Paulson gave some advice to all the students present, especially SEM students. He encouraged them to study hard, develop a long-term global perspective and sharp insight, foster an aggressive awareness and honest personality, as well as balance work and life and enjoy happiness of family