DHAKA: Shanghai, biggest city of China, is set to create an institute of research and action on financial inclusion and social business and introduce Grameen Programme in collaboration with Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
During the separate meetings among Governor of Putuo District of Shanghai, Mr Zhou Minhao, Deputy Mayor of Shanghai Mr Wu Qing and Professor Muhammad Yunus in Shanghai on August 1, they discussed the process of launcing Grameen Programme and creating a Social Business Institute there at the earliest.
Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus spent a busy day in Shanghai attending several events and meetings On August 1, the last day of Social Business Week in China, said a press release.
Professor Yunus met the Governor of Putuo District of Shanghai, Mr Zhou Minhao at his invitation. The meeting was convened to discuss ways and means to introduce Grameen Programme in Putuo District. Two issues were elaborately discussed - receiving licence to operate micro credit programme and funding of the branches as they expand.
The meeting was attended by Heads of District Treasury Bureau, District Investment Promotion Office, and District Financial Office. Head of District Treasury Bureau was given responsibility to work with Grameen China to come up with an agreed action plan.
Deputy Mayor of Shanghai Mr Wu Qing hosted a formal dinner in his office at the Shanghai City Hall in honor of Professor Yunus. Mr Qing visited Professor Yunus in Dhaka three years ago when he was the chairman of Shanghai Stock Exchange. Before the dinner both engaged in a meeting to introduce social business and microcredit in Shanghai in collaboration with Professor Yunus.
The meeting was also attended by Ms Xie Dong, Director General of Shanghai Financial Supervision and Administration Office, and Mr Ruan Li, Deputy Director of Economic and Information committee.
Deputy Mayor gave high priority to launching Grameen China Programme in Shanghai at the earliest. Director General fully supported the Deputy Mayor. Grameen China offered to come up with a concept paper and an elaborate action plan.
Another decision was taken to create an institute of research and action on financial inclusion and social business by Shanghai City in collaboration with Professor Yunus. It was decided that Principal Wang Yang will be invited to prepare the concept paper for approval of the Mayor.
In the morning, he visited Cao Yang No 2 High School, one of the top public high schools in the country. Principal of the school Mr Wang Yang who is a nationally celebrated High School Principal is also the Director of the National Institute of Social Practice in Senior High, middle and elementary schools. Three years ago he introduced the study of social business and Grameen Bank as a part of senior students’ curriculum. School has developed a well endowed Grameen Lab for students to work from. Students go for field trip to Grameen China branches to receive practical knowledge.
The School emphasizes continuously combining theory and practice. Each student is paired with a Grameen China borrower. Loan is given to the borrower through Grameen China out of a research project fund created for this purpose. The student must physically meet the borrower at least once, and (strike out: Then the student) has to remain in contact with her regularly over phone and help her overcome problems, and share in her daily life.
Professor Yunus was given a tour of the beautifully created Grameen Lab. Students took turns to explain to (the) Professor various parts of the Lab, which has designed a meeting table to demonstrate how centre meetings takes place. Yunus addressed the students and gave them updated information on social business and Graneen Bank.
Principal reported that students graduating from Grameen Lab get high priority (attention) in receiving admission from top universities.
BDST: 1348 HRS, AUG 5, 2019
RS/SMS
