IFC has played a leading role in the development of the private sector in China. Since its first investment in 1986, IFC has mobilized more than $4 billion in funds for 160 projects in 24 provinces, encompassing manufacturing, infrastructure, financial institutions, agribusiness, health and education, communications and information technology, as well as providing a wide range of advisory services in access to finance, agricultural linkages, business enabling environment and corporate governance. The program is delivered through offices in Beijing and Chengdu, supported by regional resources in Hong Kong.
IFC’s focus is on addressing climate change, increasing access to finance in rural areas and enhancing the lives of farm families, accelerating investment flows to the less-developed, western part of the country and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as participating in investment flows between China and the developing world.
IFC’s China strategy has evolved significantly over the past eight years as IFC’s role has changed and the Chinese economy has developed. Whereas in 2000 approximately 85 percent of our clients were foreign companies making initial investments in China, today IFC is investing with domestic Chinese companies taking new initiatives in lagging regions or adopting new manufacturing processes that meet IFC environmental and social standards. Thus, our role has transformed from simply attracting investment to implementing global standards.
