Core Insights - The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) is set to open, with Standard Chartered Bank participating for the eighth consecutive year, showcasing its commitment to supporting high-level opening and high-quality development of China's real economy [1][2] Group 1: Participation and Themes - Standard Chartered Bank's theme for this year's expo is "Connecting to New Opportunities," highlighting its innovative achievements in cross-border trade, sustainable finance, and digital finance [1] - The bank will present a range of high-quality products and services, including solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) going abroad and the "Standard Chartered Global Chain" as a one-stop cross-border financial solution [1] Group 2: Strategic Collaborations - Standard Chartered plans to sign strategic cooperation memorandums with leading companies in sectors such as food consumption, biomedicine, and new materials, focusing on trade financing, financial markets, and sustainable finance [1] - Since its first participation in the CIIE in 2018, Standard Chartered has established strategic partnerships with nearly 40 enterprises, institutions, and industry associations, expanding its cooperation from bulk commodity trade to sustainable finance and technology innovation [2] Group 3: Market Presence and Future Plans - Standard Chartered has been operating in China for over 167 years and is one of the most comprehensive international banks in terms of licenses and business scope in the mainland market [2] - China has been the largest contributor to Standard Chartered Group's global network income since 2017, and the bank opened its third priority private banking center in Hangzhou in July, marking its 14th globally [2] - The bank intends to continue increasing investments in productivity, digitalization, and financial innovation in China [2]

Core Viewpoint - The signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol marks a significant step towards deepening economic integration and cooperation in emerging fields such as digital and green economies, amidst challenges to the multilateral trading system [3][4]. Group 1: Importance of the Protocol - The protocol signifies a commitment to multilateralism and free trade, countering unilateral trade measures that threaten the international economic system [3]. - It establishes a new milestone for regional economic integration, expanding cooperation beyond traditional trade to include digital, green, and supply chain sectors [4]. - The protocol supports the construction of a China-ASEAN community of shared destiny, enhancing economic cooperation and creating a resilient regional supply chain [4]. Group 2: Background and Negotiation Process - The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area is the first free trade agreement established by both parties, with the initial agreement signed in 2002 and subsequent upgrades in 2010 and 2015 [5]. - The 3.0 version negotiations began in November 2021, culminating in the signing of the protocol after nearly two years of discussions and multiple rounds of meetings [5][6]. Group 3: Key Features of the Protocol - The protocol expands into five new areas: digital economy, green economy, supply chain connectivity, competition and consumer protection, and support for small and medium enterprises [7]. - It enhances the level of openness in trade, focusing on rules and cooperation in both traditional and emerging sectors [7][8]. - The protocol promotes inclusive development by ensuring fair competition, consumer protection, and support for small and medium enterprises [8]. Group 4: Main Content of the Protocol - In the digital economy, the protocol establishes a high-level rule system, including customs duty exemptions on electronic transmissions and enhanced data flow protections [9]. - In the green economy, it defines key areas for cooperation, including green trade and sustainable finance, aiming to eliminate trade barriers related to environmental standards [10]. - The protocol includes a dedicated chapter on supply chain cooperation, enhancing the resilience and connectivity of regional supply chains [11]. - It sets forth standards and technical regulations, encouraging mutual recognition of standards and joint development of evaluation procedures [12]. - The protocol enhances sanitary and phytosanitary measures, improving transparency and reducing compliance costs for businesses [12]. - It utilizes digital technologies to improve customs procedures and trade facilitation, aiming to streamline processes and reduce costs [13]. - It establishes a comprehensive framework for competition and consumer protection, enhancing consumer rights and promoting fair market practices [13]. - The protocol supports small and medium enterprises by providing resources and information to enhance their participation in international trade [14]. - It creates a framework for economic and technical cooperation, focusing on capacity building and support for the least developed countries [14]. Group 5: Implementation of the Protocol - Following the signing, both parties will undergo domestic approval processes to ensure the protocol is implemented as soon as possible [15].

Core Viewpoint - The upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 version emphasizes a comprehensive cooperation framework in the green economy sector, aiming to promote mutual development between the environment and trade [1] Group 1: Green Economy Initiatives - The agreement establishes clear definitions for green economy, new energy, clean energy, sustainable finance, and green skills [1] - Both parties commit to not using environmental standards as a disguised form of trade protectionism, aiming to eliminate trade barriers related to environmental products and services [1] Group 2: Priority Cooperation Areas - Eight priority cooperation areas have been identified: green trade, green investment, circular economy, sustainable finance, green technology, green standards, sustainable energy, and digital-green collaborative development [1] - These areas will encompass the entire chain from research and development, financing, production, consumption, to recycling, providing significant support for building a green economic engine in the region and achieving high-quality development [1]

Economic Outlook - Vietnam's economy showed strong performance in Q3 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 8.2%, marking the highest growth rate since 2011, excluding the post-pandemic recovery phase [2][12] - The government maintains a GDP growth target of 8.0% for the entire year, with inflation expected to be controlled around 4.0% [9][12] - Key economic drivers include robust public investment, which grew by 27.9% year-on-year, and foreign direct investment reaching $18.8 billion, a five-year high [12] Development Goals - Vietnam aims for an average GDP growth rate exceeding 10% from 2026 to 2030, with a target of reaching a per capita GDP of $8,500 by 2030 [3][10] - The government announced a cash distribution plan to citizens and a special pardon for prisoners, aimed at stimulating the economy and enhancing social stability [6][10] Trade Dynamics - Vietnam's exports reached $348.6 billion in the first nine months of 2025, growing by 15.9% year-on-year, with significant resilience in exports to the U.S. [13][25] - The trade risk exposure has narrowed, with a successful reduction of U.S. tariffs on Vietnamese goods from 46% to 20% [24][25] Infrastructure Development - Vietnam has set ambitious infrastructure goals for 2030, including 5,000 km of highways and 1,541 km of high-speed rail, which are expected to drive economic growth and reduce logistics costs [4][38] - Major projects include the North-South High-Speed Railway and Long Thanh International Airport, aimed at enhancing domestic and international connectivity [32][35] Financial Center Initiatives - Vietnam is developing international financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, expected to be operational by the end of 2025, to attract global capital [5][39] - The government is implementing tax incentives and regulatory reforms to create a competitive environment for financial services [41][42] Capital Market Upgrades - The Vietnamese stock market is set to transition from frontier to secondary emerging market status by September 2026, which is anticipated to attract $10-15 billion in foreign capital over the next 1-3 years [6][46] - The market upgrade is expected to enhance liquidity, with daily trading volumes projected to increase from approximately $1.4 billion to $2 billion [47][50] Sectoral Opportunities - Key sectors expected to benefit from economic growth include manufacturing, services, real estate, and financial services, driven by infrastructure investments and capital market reforms [10][46] - The focus on digital transformation and green energy is seen as a new growth engine for Vietnam's economy [10][12]

Core Viewpoint - The sustainable finance sector should focus on supporting low-carbon transitions, creating a strong collective force across society to address climate challenges [1][2] Group 1: Company Initiatives - Industrial Bank has been exploring sustainable finance for 20 years, developing a path that integrates profit with social responsibility [1] - The bank's green financing balance is nearly 2.5 trillion yuan, with green loan balance exceeding 1 trillion yuan and a non-performing loan rate of only 0.57% [1] - The establishment of a strategic and ESG committee at the board level has strengthened relationships with stakeholders and laid a solid foundation for sustainable development [2] Group 2: Industry Context - Despite some countries withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, global climate actions continue, with China announcing new NDC targets at the UN Climate Change Summit in September [2] - The financial sector is encouraged to innovate and provide diversified financial services, as China leads globally in green loans and bonds but still has room for growth in green investment and asset management [3] - The carbon market should be more open and inclusive to enhance resource allocation efficiency, with financial institutions encouraged to participate in national carbon market trading [3] Group 3: Recommendations for Sustainable Finance - Industries should focus on low-carbon transitions, emphasizing ESG system construction and new technology applications [2] - Financial services should align with the needs of real enterprises, providing both financial and non-financial support for carbon reduction [3] - Regulatory bodies are urged to introduce more incentives for carbon reduction support tools and adjust risk weights for green financing to encourage banks' participation [3]

10月22日，联合国贸发组织(UNCTAD)秘书长丽贝卡格林斯潘(Rebeca Grynspan)在瑞士日内瓦召开的联 合国贸发会议第十六届大会(UNCTAD16th)期间宣布，第九届世界投资论坛(WIF)将于2026年在卡塔尔 举办。 2026年世界投资论坛将在全球不确定性、气候压力、数字转型和经济碎片化的关键时刻，致力于应对目 前全球面临的最为紧迫的投资挑战。 2026年世界投资论坛将以联合国贸发会议第十六届大会的会议成果为基础，特别是"商界领袖对话"的重 要成果，并推进包括"联合国未来峰会"(UN Summit of the Future)在内的其他关键全球倡议。 联合国贸发组织投资与企业司司长、世界投资论坛负责人李楠介绍，第九届世界投资论坛将在卡塔尔汇 聚来自政府、工商界和金融界最具影响力的全球领袖，共同塑造和引领未来投资方向。 展望第九届世界投资论坛，主办国卡塔尔重申其致力于推动多边对话、动员全球投资、促进共同繁荣的 坚定承诺。卡塔尔外贸事务国务大臣艾哈迈德赛义德(Ahmad Mohamed A.Y.Al-Sayed)表示："让我们把 这一全球挑战的时刻视为机遇，引导投资体系朝着更具韧性、公平性和共 ...

Core Viewpoint - The "2025 China Investment Forum" focuses on sustainable investment, green transformation, and ESG talent cultivation, highlighting the importance of innovative and socially valuable solutions for sustainable development [1] Group 1: Sustainable Finance Development - China has become the world's largest issuer of green bonds and is leading in the green finance sector, setting a good example for global markets [3] - The rapid advancement of corporate ESG information disclosure standards and the gradual improvement of the transformation finance framework are noted as significant achievements [3] Group 2: Talent Demand in Sustainable Finance - There is a critical shortage of professionals with sustainable finance expertise in the Chinese financial industry, particularly those who can interpret ESG data, assess climate risks, and integrate investment processes with long-term value creation [3] - The CFA Association's Sustainable Investment Foundation Certificate aims to fill this crucial gap in the market [3] Group 3: Future Outlook - The demand for financial professionals who adhere to ethical standards and possess a global perspective will continue to grow as China integrates sustainable development into its economic strategy [4] - The CFA Association commits to collaborating with industry, academia, and government to cultivate a new generation of talent that can leverage financial wisdom for innovation and resilience in the industry [4]

Core Viewpoint - The People's Bank of China has implemented a series of practical measures during the 14th Five-Year Plan period to promote the high-quality development of green finance, establishing a comprehensive framework for standards, tools, cooperation, and tangible results [1]. Group 1: Green Finance Standards - A multi-field standard system is gradually being established, with 1 national standard, 9 industry standards, and over 30 green finance standards under research. The first national green finance standard, "Green Finance Terminology," is set to be published by 2025 [2]. - The green finance support project directory has expanded the scope of green finance to include trade and consumption, achieving full-chain coverage from production to consumption [2]. Group 2: Transition Finance Standards - Transition finance standards have made significant breakthroughs, with pilot programs in over 20 provinces for industries like steel, coal power, construction materials, and agriculture. By the end of August 2025, approximately 67 billion yuan in transition loans were issued [3]. - The second batch of transition finance standards for metallurgy, petrochemicals, and other industries is being developed, with local standards and enterprise transition planning manuals being introduced in key regions [3]. Group 3: Biodiversity and Blue Finance Standards - A financial standard system for biodiversity and blue finance is being established, with over 20 provinces initiating pilot programs for biodiversity finance directories [4]. - Blue finance standards are under development, with plans for pilot testing in coastal areas [4]. Group 4: Green Finance Tools - The demand for green finance has increased, leading to the development of a diverse range of financial products, including green loans, bonds, insurance, and funds. As of the second quarter of 2025, the balance of green loans was approximately 42.39 trillion yuan, and green bonds exceeded 2.2 trillion yuan [6]. - The carbon reduction support tool has guided financial institutions to issue over 1.38 trillion yuan in carbon reduction loans since its inception in 2021 [5]. Group 5: Risk Management - The People's Bank of China is conducting climate risk stress tests to enhance financial institutions' risk management capabilities, ensuring the stability of the green finance market [7]. Group 6: International Cooperation - China has taken a leading role in the G20 sustainable finance working group, producing key documents like the G20 Sustainable Finance Roadmap and the G20 Transition Finance Framework [8]. - The establishment of the International Platform for Sustainable Finance (IPSF) with the European Commission aims to align green finance standards internationally, facilitating cross-border capital flow into green sectors [8]. - China is actively participating in multilateral and bilateral green finance cooperation, including initiatives under the Belt and Road Initiative to promote green investment [9].

Core Viewpoint - The recent roundtable held at Standard Chartered Bank's China headquarters focused on "green and sustainable development," highlighting the collaboration among various stakeholders to support sustainability initiatives [1][3]. Group 1: Event Overview - The roundtable was part of Standard Chartered's first Public Welfare Week in China, aiming to showcase the tangible changes brought by public welfare and community investment [3]. - The event gathered representatives from Standard Chartered, CBRE, the Public Environmental Research Center, and the beneficiary enterprise "Hao Run Environmental Protection" to discuss various dimensions of sustainable development [1]. Group 2: Philanthropic Evolution - Standard Chartered's philanthropic journey has evolved from a focus on immediate aid (1.0 phase) to empowering communities through education and entrepreneurship (2.0 phase), and now to supporting social enterprises (3.0 phase) [4][5]. - The bank has invested over 30 million yuan in public welfare projects in China over the past five years, emphasizing local needs and collaboration with local partners [3][4]. Group 3: Social Enterprises and Community Impact - The bank's support for social enterprises includes a model that combines financial support, capacity building, and network development, which has aided over 700 social enterprises and impacted 37,000 practitioners since 2021 [5][6]. - Examples of supported social enterprises include "Old Friends," which operates a sustainable community dining service for the elderly, and "Creative Shelter," which addresses mental health issues in urban populations [5][6]. Group 4: Financial Sector's Role in Sustainability - Standard Chartered emphasizes the importance of directing financial resources towards sustainable development as a key mission of financial institutions [7][8]. - The bank has made significant strides in sustainable finance, including landmark transactions that align with international sustainability standards, such as the first green syndicated loan compliant with the China-Europe Sustainable Finance Common Classification [8].

Core Insights - The article highlights the rapid development of green finance in China during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, emphasizing its role as a key driver for the country's low-carbon transition and the achievement of the "dual carbon" goals [1][7]. Green Financing Growth - Green loans and green bonds have seen significant growth, with green loan balances reaching 42.39 trillion yuan by mid-2025, a 254.73% increase from the end of 2020 [2]. - The growth rate of green loans has consistently been between 21.70% and 38.50% from 2021 to 2024, indicating a robust upward trend [1]. - The proportion of green loans in total loans has increased from 6.92% at the end of the "13th Five-Year Plan" to 15.78% by mid-2025 [2]. Green Bond Market Expansion - The issuance of green bonds has expanded significantly, with annual issuance growing from over 200 billion yuan during the "13th Five-Year Plan" to over 600 billion yuan in 2021, and maintaining an average of 750 billion yuan from 2021 to 2024 [3]. - The number of issuers has increased from 35 in 2016 to 249 in 2024, with the number of issuances growing ninefold [3]. - Green bonds are expected to support annual CO2 emissions reductions of approximately 14.14 million tons and save 1.51 million tons of energy [3]. Diverse Green Financial System - The green financial system has diversified to include green investments, green insurance, green futures, and carbon financial products, becoming a crucial part of the overall green finance landscape [4][6]. - A significant portion of public funds (53.8%) now explicitly incorporates green investment into their strategies, with 76.9% having issued green investment-targeted products [4]. Transition Finance Emergence - Transition finance is emerging as a critical component of sustainable finance, focusing on supporting high-carbon industries in their shift to low-carbon operations [7][8]. - The new round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) announced in September sets ambitious targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, necessitating substantial funding for low-carbon transitions [7]. - Transition finance is expected to surpass financing for "pure green" activities, as only about 10% of economic activities are currently classified as "pure green" [8].