Shanghai to launch Grameen Programme, create Social Business Institute

Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus attended several events and meetings in Shanghai on the last day of the Social Business Week in China on August 1.  

Deputy Mayor of Shanghai Wu Qing hosted a formal dinner in his office at the Shanghai City Hall in honor of Professor Yunus. 

Before the dinner both engaged in a meeting to introduce social business and microcredit in Shanghai in collaboration with Professor Yunus.

The Deputy Mayor gave high priority to launching Grameen China Programme in Shanghai at the earliest. Director General fully supported the Deputy Mayor. Grameen China offered to come up with a concept paper and an  elaborate action plan.

Another decision was taken to create an institute of research and action on financial inclusion and social business by Shanghai City in collaboration with Professor Yunus .  

The meeting was also attended by Xie Dong, Director General of Shanghai Financial Supervision and Administration Office, and Ruan Li, Deputy Director of Economic  and Information committee.

In the morning he visited Cao Yang No 2 High School, one of the top public high school in the country. 

Principal of the school Wang Yang who is a nationally celebrated High School Principal is also the Director of the National Institute of Social Practice in Senior High, middle and elementary schools. 

Three years ago he introduced the study of social business and Grameen Bank as a part of senior students curriculum.

School has developed a well endowed Grameen Lab for students to work from. Students go for field trip to Grameen China branches to receive practical knowledge.  The School emphasizes continuously combining theory and practice. Each student is paired with a Grameen China borrower, said a press releae. 

Professor Yunus was given a tour of the beautifully created Grameen Lab. Students took turns to explain to (the) Professor various parts of the Lab, which has designed a meeting table to demonstrate how centre meetings takes place. Yunus addressed the students and gave them updated information on social business and Graneen Bank.

Professor Yunus (went to meet) met the Governor of Putuo District of Shanghai,Zhou Minhao at his invitation. The meeting was convened to discuss ways and means to introduce GrameenProgramme in Putuo District. 

Two issues were elaborately discussed - receiving licence to operate microcredit programme and funding of the branches as they expand.