Former deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China, Wu Xiaoling, on Thursday, commended Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for his contributions to poverty alleviation through microcredit programs and social business initiatives, expressing her admiration for the Nobel Peace Laureate.
"Your contribution to eradicating poverty is truly inspiring. I sincerely wish that, under your leadership, Bangladesh shines," she said.
Xiaoling met Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference.
Although China and Bangladesh are at different stages in terms of poverty, Xiaoling noted that the motto of Grameen Bank, founded by Prof Yunus, has provided valuable insights for the Chinese people and contributed to the country's development.
During the meeting, Xiaoling introduced Prof Yunus to Zhu Xufeng, a young professor serving as the dean of the School of Public Policy and Management (SPPM) and executive director of the Institute for Sustainable Development Goals, Tsinghua University (TUSDG).
Professor Zhu invited Prof Yunus to visit Tsinghua University to speak with students and share his perspectives.
He also proposed a collaboration between Tsinghua University and the Yunus Centre for social business.
"There are 111 Yunus Centres in 40 countries; they all share a global network. We would love to be a part of this network," Zhu said.
Prof Yunus expressed his willingness to visit Tsinghua University and engage with students, according to Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
"Additionally, we would like to invite you to visit Bangladesh for our Annual Social Business Day in June in Dhaka," Yunus said.
“We are also promoting and mobilizing intellectual resources, with youth power at the center of our collective actions. We must lay the foundation for a new civilization—one that is self-preserving and self-reinforcing. A counter-culture based on a zero-waste lifestyle must be created," he added.
Xiaoling previously served as the chair and dean of the PBC School of Finance (PBCSF) at Tsinghua University.
As a joint venture between the university and the People’s Bank of China, PBCSF has become one of China’s leading financial education institutions and research centers.
Xiaoling has made significant contributions to the development of China’s financial sector, playing a key role in defending against the 1997 financial crisis as the first female administrator of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE).
Her achievements have been widely recognized, with the Wall Street Journal twice naming her among the "World’s 50 Most Watched Businesswomen of the Year."
She was also twice listed as one of the “Most Influential Women in the World” by Forbes.
