(Originally published on 09/11/2015)

An international forum was held today in Beijing to discuss internet finance regulatory policies and share innovative practices, in China and around the world. The event was jointly hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchange (CICETE) and the China Association of Microfinance and Huizhong Wealth Management.

“Accelerating financial inclusion is a priority for poverty alleviation globally. Internet finance is a useful tool that can make a huge difference,” said Mr. Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Country Director. “Today, the nternet has made it possible to enlarge scale and reduce costs for financial inclusion, through platforms such as P2P lending and mobile banking,” he added. 

The Internet Finance (P2P Lending) Innovation Forum was attended by representatives from the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC), the State Council Development Research Center, regional financial offices, international organizations, and internet finance companies.

This event was part of UNDP and CICETE’s Building Inclusive Financial System in China programme. In addition to organizing platforms for knowledge exchange among internet finance stakeholders such as the Forum, the programme also plans to establish an inclusive finance research center and cooperate with the Research Department of PBOC to promote internet finance policies and practices.

During the Forum, participants discussed the newly released regulatory guidelines called Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Sustainable Development of Internet Finance, and shared different perspectives on risk management in inclusive finance and international practices. Participants also engaged in a panel discussion around challenges and new opportunities facing China’s Internet finance sector.

Funded by the Huizhong Group, the Forum provided a unique opportunity for regulatory authorities, research institutions and private sector companies to work together to achieve inclusive finance for poverty reduction.

As the first organization to introduce microfinance in China, UNDP has been working since 1994 with the Chinese government to push for inclusive finance for poverty alleviation. With 48 microfinance pilot projects in 17 provinces, the partnership has greatly contributed to the development of microfinance in China.

(Originally published on 11/19/2015)

On 19^th November 2015, the United Nations Development Programme China (UNDP China) launched the initiative “Green Transportation – UNDP is Acting” in the office, in response to the Chinese government’s strategies in promoting green urban transport. Under the initiative, two electric cars provided by BAIC & PD Group Electric Vehicle Sales Co., Ltd will be available for use and rent respectively by the staff at UNDP China.

Agi Veres, Country Director of UNDP China, during her opening remarks noted, “UNDP China has always advocated for a green and sustainable lifestyle. Through this initiative, we would like to walk the talk and work towards the greening of our office.” The initiative is part of UNDP China’s wider campaign in greening the office. As early as in 2009, the China office has committed to going green by installing solar panels and upgrading electrical appliances to energy efficient ones.
UNDP China has taken another green step forward in introducing electric cars to the office, which run on electrically powered engines and do not emit any tailpipe pollutants. It is estimated that an electric car could at least reduce carbon dioxide emissions to the environment by 2.4 tonnes annually, assuming 10,000 km has been driven. Keeping up with digital technology, the electric cars are connected to a mobile app, which allows users to track the amount of emissions that have been reduced and shows the closest charging stations.

“Through initiatives like today’s activity, I am confident that more and more people would realize the need for us to transform traditional patterns of development and consumption towards the path of green development for ultimate harmony between Humans and Nature,” said Agi Veres.

The launching ceremony was well-received and attended by government officials from National Government Offices Administration of the State Council, National Conservation Center of National Development Reform Commission and Ministry of Agriculture, and representatives from the private sectors including BAIC & PD Group Electric Vehicle Sales Co., Ltd and Wangbangda Environment Protection Co., Ltd.