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Chinese Responsible Investment Overseas Newsletter Issue 3 (Jan 2018) | Responsible mining
Since the launch of the "Going Out Policy" in the beginning of the 21st century, mining has become one of the main pillars for Chinese foreign direct investments, in addition to energy. Mining can contribute to increased tax revenues and export earnings for host governments, employment opportunities for local communities, infrastructure development (especially in rural areas), and transfer of technology in countries with robust legal and regulatory systems and an enabling environment for responsible investment. However, there is also a significant risk that the extraction of mineral resources can result in environmental damage, human rights abuses, corruption, and conflicts, particularly when mining operations take place in areas where governance is weak. Governments, companies, communities and civil society are paying increasing attention to these issues. Drawing on existing international standards for responsible mineral sourcing, Chinese industry has recently been increasingly active in trying to respond to the environmental and social challenges in overseas mining by developing guidance and practical tools for Chinese companies.
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update Chinese Responsible Investment Overseas Newsletter Issue 2 (Jun 2017) | Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
In 2013, China announced its plan to establish a multilateral financial institution that aims to foster sustainable economic growth, create wealth, and improve connectivity in Asia through infrastructure investment in areas such as energy, transport, and urban development. Since its establishment in 2016, the AIIB has attracted 52 member states and 25 prospective members, and approved 13 projects.
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update Chinese Responsible Investment Overseas Newsletter Issue 1 (Mar 2017) | Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)
Despite important achievements, Chinese enterprises still face significant challenges regarding their social & environmental impacts in the process of overseas investment and cooperation, particularly in projects involving natural resource development. However there is a growing awareness of the need to adhere to international guidelines, to conduct business in a way that contributes to realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to communicate effectively with local stakeholders to prevent and respond to social risks. Conversely, viewing the host government as the sole representative of stakeholders can exacerbate conflict and social division, and lead to the extension or suspension of the project, which makes the company suffer from great economic and reputational loss.
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