As vaccinations rise and countries are getting better control of the COVID-19 pandemic, international trade is showing strong signs of recovery. However, though exports of many countries are growing at double digit rates, trade patterns are still susceptible to geopolitical events and unexpected natural disasters. Many major economies like China and the European Union are still facing challenges like surging energy prices and supply chain disruptions because of the pandemic.

How can we maintain the robust trade growth while also addressing other issues under the surface? Can China and the EU put aside their differences and work on mitigating some of these problems? To discuss these issues and more, we've invited Esko Aho, former Prime Minister of Finland; Prof. Carl Fey from Aalto University School of Business, Finland; and Prof. John Gong from the University of International Business and Economics.