Hebei University of Economics and Business

Hebei Trade & Finance Institute traces its roots back to the establishment of the Hebei Provincial Supply and Marketing Society Cooperative School in Shijiazhuang in 1953. In 1958, it was renamed as the "Hebei Province School of Business and Technical Cadres." Following a merger with the Provincial Grain School in 1959, it was transformed into the "Hebei Province School of Finance and Trade Technical Cadres." Building upon this foundation in 1960, the "Hebei Province School of Commerce" was established, but due to historical reasons, it ceased operations after 1965. The institution was re-established as the "Hebei Province School of Commerce" in 1973. Expanding on this, the Hebei College of Finance and Trade was founded in 1978 on the basis of the Hebei Province School of Commerce, and it was renamed the Hebei Trade & Finance Institute in 1984.[5][6][7]

Hebei Provincial Hutuo River Five-Seven Cadre School in September 1968

The history of Hebei College of Trade & Economics dates back to the establishment of the Hebei Provincial Hutuo River Five-Seven Cadre School in September 1968. This was later converted into the Hebei Provincial Cadre School in 1979. Building on the foundation of the Provincial Cadre School in 1982, Hebei Construction Institute was established. It underwent transformations and was renamed Hebei Institute of Economic Management Cadres in 1983. In 1987, the Hebei Provincial Administrative College was founded, merging with Hebei Institute of Economic Management Cadres. The year 1988 marked the revival of the Hebei Provincial Socialist College, co-located with Hebei Institute of Economic Management Cadres. In 1992, Hebei Institute of Economic Management Cadres jointly established Hebei Provincial Township Enterprise College with the Provincial Township Enterprise Bureau. Then, in 1994, Hebei College of Trade & Economics was founded based on the foundation of Hebei Institute of Economic Management Cadres.[5][6][7]

The origins of Hebei Commerce College can be traced back to the establishment of the "Hebei Provincial Business Cadre School" in 1956. Following a restructure in 1959, it became the "Hebei Provincial School of Finance and Trade Cadres." It was renamed once again as the "Hebei Provincial Business Cadre School" in 1963. Due to specific circumstances, enrollment was temporarily suspended in 1965. In 1982, the Hebei Provincial Business Cadre School was reestablished and operated at the same location as the Hebei Provincial School of Commerce. This institution underwent changes and was renamed the "Hebei Business Vocational College" in 1984. Its name was changed once more in 1992 to become the "Hebei Commerce College".[5][2][6][7]

South Gate of HUEB with the name inscribed by Jiang Zemin in 1995

Hebei University of Economics and Business (HUEB) was established in 1995 under approval by the State Education Commission and through combination of three former colleges(Hebei Trade & Finance Institute, Hebei College of Trade & Economics and Hebei Commerce College).[8]

On June 6, 1995, Jiang Zemin, then General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and the President of the People's Republic of China, inscribed the name of HUEB.[9]

No.1 Teaching Building of HUEB in 2022

HUEB is one of the key universities in Hebei Province and it offers degree programs both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.[8]

From 2017 to 2022, Hebei University of Economics and Business has been active in the field of research, taking on more than 90 projects funded by the national social science fund, natural fund, and the Ministry of Education. In addition to these, they have been involved in over 1500 other various academic programs. The funding for these research projects has exceeded CN¥120 million.[10]

In 2007, the monograph Service Industry Competitiveness published by Economic Research Center won the Hebei Provincial Social Science Outstanding Achievement Award. The Hebei Industrial Competitiveness Report released every year has become an important basis for Hebei Province to formulate the Eleventh Five-Year Plan.[11]

Journal of the Hebei University of Economics and Business is a comprehensive economic, academic journal published at home and abroad, founded in 1980. It is now a bimonthly journal, published on the 15th of every month. Journal of Hebei University of Economics and Business has been selected as a national Chinese core journal, Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index (CSSCI) source journal (extended version), China Humanities and Social Sciences Comprehensive Evaluation AMI core journal.[12] The editor-in-chief is Mr. Peng Jianqiang, Vice President of Hebei University of Economics and Business.[13]

Economy and Management was founded in 1986; at present, this publication is a bimonthly magazine sponsored by HUEB, mainly publishes economic and management research papers. It is originally the Hebei Economic Management Cadre College Journal. The original unit in charge of the journal is the Organization Department of Hebei Provincial Party Committee, and then adjusted to the sponsorship of Hebei University of Economics and Business and the Department of Education of Hebei.[14]

In the Wu Shulian Ranking(Chinese University Ranking), HUEB ranked 399th nationally.[17]

HUEB's performance in the Shanghai Ranking(Academic Ranking of World Universities) China Financial Universities Ranking and its overall national standing have shown consistent trends over the years:

• In the Shanghai Ranking China Financial Universities Ranking, HUEB secured the 27th position in China in 2023.
• Nationally, HUEB's reference ranking remained stable at 360th position in recent years.[16][15]

Shanghai Ranking China Financial Universities Ranking of HUEB[16]

Year	2020	2021	2022	2023
Ranking	22	20	21	27

The highlight of the comprehensive survey by Shanghai Ranking in 2023[16]

Aspect	Satisfaction / Approval Rate	National Ranking Percentile
Strong teaching & research quality	40% ~ 45%	Top 50%
Extensive library resources	60% ~ 65%	Top 25%
Teachers are knowledgeable	55% ~ 60%	Top 25%
Students proud to be part of HUEB	50% ~ 55%	Top 50%
Alumni Support	60% ~ 65%	Top 50%
Campus safety assurance	55% ~ 60%	Top 50%
Closing expectation-reality gap	40% ~ 45%	Below average
Note: and means the movement compared with previous year's data.

HUEB, in the 2023 Shanghai Ranking survey, notable highlights include strong teaching and research, securing a reputation in the top 50%. A significant portion of students, around 50%-55%, take pride in being a part of the HUEB community.[16]

Faculty engagement is evident, with knowledgeable teachers and efficient issue resolution being ranked in the top 25%. Enthusiasm for teaching and fostering student curiosity further contributes to the vibrant academic atmosphere. HUEB's commitment to fairness is reflected in its top 25% scores for objective student assessment and equitable scholarship selection.[16]

The campus life at HUEB thrives, with impressive work-study options and extensive library resources, both ranking in the top 25%. The university's cultural scene shines through diverse lectures and enriching performances, both ranking in the top 50%.[16]

HUEB's emphasis on personal and professional growth is supported by high ratings in major interest exploration, self-directed learning, and teamwork proficiency, all ranking in the top 50%. Student services also excel, with quality medical care and campus safety assurance ranking in the top 25%.[16]

While the majority of students express contentment and confidence in HUEB's future, addressing the expectation-reality gap remains a priority, as does expanding psychological counseling services and counselor involvement.

Overall, students report a high level of satisfaction, willingness to recommend the university, and commitment to supporting it as alumni, underscoring HUEB's positive impact.[16]

Universities in China have to pass strict examination system to obtain doctoral degree conferring right.[18] HUEB currently has no right to confer doctoral degrees, unlike neighboring universities such as Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Shanxi University of Finance and Economics, and Tianjin University of Finance and Economics. HUEB's subject offerings are limited to finance and economics, with no science or technology disciplines, making its overall academic strength relatively weak compared to other institutions in Hebei province. Other universities of similar academic quality, such as North China University of Science and Technology and Hebei University of Science and Technology, already have or are in the process of obtaining the right to confer doctoral degrees. With even lower admission requirements and academic quality, the Hebei University of Engineering in Handan has also received a special project doctoral program.[19]

In November 2014, the provincial Department of Education informed a reporter from Shijiazhuang Daily that the Ministry of Education of China had approved the collaboration between HUEB and Concordia University Chicago for an undergraduate marketing education program.[25]

In February 2021, under the joint guidance of the doctoral supervisors of Woosuk University and HUEB, all 21 HUEB faculty members pursuing their doctoral degrees in South Korea graduated with their doctoral degrees. HUEB and Woosuk University in South Korea have been engaged in joint doctoral training since 2018, with 15 HUEB professors employed as joint doctoral supervisors. This program is the first overseas joint doctoral training program of HUEB.[26] However, the quality of those doctoral degrees is questioned by some people online.[27][28]

In June 13, 2007, HUEB established the Confucius Institute with Kathmandu University.[29] HUEB also established a Confucius Institute in Zambia with the University of Zambia.[30]

As of 2022, HUEB employs over 1,800 teachers and staff members, with a majority of them being full-time teachers. There are also over 600 senior professionals and 600 individuals who either hold a PhD or are currently pursuing one.[31]

The Charter of Hebei University of Economics and Business expresses the management system as follows：[32]

The university implements the president accountability system under the leadership of the Hebei University of Economics and Business Committee of the Communist Party of China. Adhere to the leadership of the party committee, the accountability of the president, the teaching of professors, and democratic management.