Overview of the activities during my second full week in Beijing, and a preview of the trip to Wuhan, Yichang and Shanghai of next week.

During my second full week in Beijing, I didn’t do as much field research as I wished to do. This was mainly due to the fact that relevant persons of targeted Chinese and Dutch organizations were not at their office in Beijing, or too busy.

However, at the WTI I conducted one interview with Mr. Zhao Qian, director of the WTI Environmental Protection and Safety Center. As Mr. Zhao is an expert on environmental protection and safety in Chinese waters, he provided me with essential information regarding the Chinese government’s focus areas concerning these subjects. Also important for my research were his answers to the questions about possible cooperation with the participating Dutch firms in the development of environmental protection and safety.

Due to the fact that the formal field research was limited to the interview with Mr. Zhao this week, I decided to talk with my direct colleagues at the WTI more often about my subject. Although their area of expertise is not directly involved in environmental protection and safety, they all have good knowledge regarding facts, developments and bottlenecks in the Chinese maritime/IWT sector. Also the deputy director of my department supported me with my questions this week.

The coming week, I will have plenty of opportunities to do extensive field research. NEA is organizing a project concerning waste management in the Yangtze River, and I am grateful that I have opportunity to accompany NEA and several external Dutch waste management experts on this trip to Wuhan, Yichang and Shanghai. During this trip, there will be talks with the WTI, the State Environmental Protection Administration and the Maritime Safety Administration. During these visits and seminars, I am also given the chance to conduct my investigation the Chinese authorities by observing and asking questions to the relevant authorities.

If you think participating in such a trip is already enough luck for a young student like me, it does even get better: after the trip, NEA arranged a visit to the Shanghai 2010 EXPO. I think it is easy to understand that I am really looking forward to next week’s activities.

Besides that, there is also a personal reason that I am happy to stay in Shanghai next weekend. I have a lot study mates studying in Shanghai at the moment, so next weekend is also good opportunity to meet them and have a drink with hem in the metropolis of Shanghai.