US-based economist Lingyun Xiang has been named the "Mauritius International Goodwill Ambassador for Economic, Trade and Cultural Exchange." The honorary recognition was presented on August 19, 2026, by the office of former Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.

The title acknowledges Xiang’s work in international economic cooperation, business exchange, technology innovation, and cross-cultural engagement. It is an honorary recognition and does not represent a diplomatic appointment by the current Government of Mauritius.

Recognition Details

Dr. Gurib-Fakim, who served as the sixth President of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018, personally presented the honor to an authorized representative of Xiang. The certificate highlights Xiang’s efforts to encourage constructive relationships among business, academic, and professional communities across national borders.

Xiang stated that international friendship is strengthened through mutual respect, practical cooperation, and direct human connections. He intends to use the recognition to encourage constructive economic, technological, and cultural exchanges while respecting the sovereignty, laws, and interests of every country involved.

Profile and Background

Lingyun Xiang, Ph.D., is a Chinese economist, professor, investor, author, and inventor based in the United States. According to his published academic biography, he serves as a Tenured Full Professor at European Union University and a Tenured Full Professor and doctoral supervisor at the University of Maryland.

His research focuses on emerging technologies applied to finance, data management, and economic development. Key areas include:

• Artificial intelligence financing models
• Internet financial risk management
• Applications of AI in financial regulatory systems
• Blockchain technology and digital economics

Xiang has participated in international economic, financial, academic, and cultural exchanges, serving in advisory roles involving economic and financial issues in various international settings.

Mauritius Context

Mauritius is an island nation in the southwestern Indian Ocean with a highly internationalized economy. Its strengths include tourism, financial services, trade, manufacturing, and professional services. The country has developed opportunities in technology, innovation, investment, and the digital economy.

Mauritius and China established diplomatic relations on April 15, 1972. The Mauritius-China Free Trade Agreement entered into force on January 1, 2021, covering trade in goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation. The country’s Chinese community has contributed to its commercial and cultural development for generations.

Professor Lingyun Xiang has been appointed as an Honorary Advisor of Uruguay, recognizing his long-standing achievements in economic research and cultural exchange. The appointment, conferred by the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is effective from June 2026 to June 2027. This honor highlights the value of professional research and cross-cultural communication in strengthening international relations.

The appointment was formalized through a bilingual certificate in Chinese and Spanish, signed by the Defense Attaché Office of Uruguay in China. It grants Professor Xiang the Title of Honorary Advisor (Título de Asesor Honorario). The certificate features the blue-and-white stripes of the Uruguayan flag and the Sun of May emblem, symbolizing the official nature of the recognition.

Professor Xiang's professional work spans economics, finance for emerging industries, technology management, and applied research. His focus areas include financial innovation, industrial development, and technology applications. The appointment specifically acknowledges his active contributions to promoting cultural exchange and his role in facilitating dialogue through professional language and academic practice.

Academic and Professional Background

Professor Xiang holds several distinguished academic positions globally. He is a Lifetime Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) in the United Kingdom and a Lifetime Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic. Additionally, he serves as a Foreign Academician of the National Academy of Engineering of Ukraine and as a lifetime full professor at European United University.

His multi-disciplinary experience allows him to examine real-world issues from economic, financial, industrial, and technological perspectives. This foundation supports his involvement in professional consulting, academic activities, and cultural exchange initiatives.

Publications and Research Focus

Professor Xiang has published more than ten books covering technology, economics, and management. His notable works include Trusted Data Assets, Intelligent Manufacturing, ChatGPT: The Future Has Arrived, and The Way of the Metaverse. Other titles address blockchain logic, equity incentives, and private equity investment solutions.

Through writing, teaching, and professional exchange, he translates research insights into shared knowledge. The appointment as Honorary Advisor of Uruguay provides encouragement to continue deepening his research and promoting international cultural exchange.