The recently concluded “2023 International Forum for China Impact Investing (IFCII)” held in Shanghai from June 6th to June 7th saw over seventy guests sharing their insights on the future of China Impact Investment. The forum was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Financial Inclusion (CAFI) and co-hosted by Yicai Research Institute and SAIF. Themed on “Innovation”, “Synergy”, and “Integration”, the forum provided a platform for attendees to express their suggestions on the development path of Impact Investment in China.
Guiyu Xiao, Vice Chairmen, and Deputy Secretary of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shanghai committee, highlighted China's investments in environmental governance, energy conservation, and the development of a circular economy, reflecting the country's commitment to promoting equal basic public services in rural areas. To achieve sustainable economic development in China, Guiyu emphasized the need for advocating the concept of Impact Investment.
Jizhe Ning, member of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, Vice Chairman of the Economic Committee, and Vice Chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, elaborated on the concept of “Sustainable Impact Investment”. According to Jizhe, Sustainable Impact Investment is a future-oriented investment that requires integrated development. The development of Sustainable Impact Investment has five characteristics, which include: practicing ahead of the concept, government investment ahead of corporate investment, international enterprises ahead of domestic enterprises, listed companies ahead of non-listed companies, and green credit ahead of other financial instruments.
Guangshao Tu, Executive Director of SAIF, underlined the significance of putting the concept of Impact Investment into practice. He emphasized the pivotal role of the IFCII in promoting both the concept and practical actions of Impact Investment. Tu explained that while the construction of infrastructure—inclusive of data systems, disclosure standards, evaluation systems, among others—supports investment actions, the market players' specific investment actions guide infrastructure's construction. Therefore, it is essential to focus on both—the construction of the infrastructure, and the specific investment actions of market players—to promote the concept of Impact Investment.
The 2023 International Forum for China Impact Investment has served as an exceptionally comprehensive and dynamic platform for professionals and stakeholders to engage in critical discussions about the future trajectory of Impact Investment in China. This forum has fostered a productive space that has given rise to solutions and ideas which we hope will inspire China's financial industry to incorporate pivotal components such as Innovation, Synergy, and Integration for optimizing Impact Investment outcomes.
