Sustainable Finance as a Driver for Change: EU–China Cooperation between Salamanca and Hefei
On 14 July 2022, the high-level event “Sustainable Finance as a Driver for Change” took place in Madrid, within the framework of EU–China cooperation. The event focused on the strategic role of sustainable finance in driving economic, social and environmental transformation.
The meeting marked the official presentation of the institutional relations between the cities of Salamanca and Hefei, as well as the announcement of the 1st EU–China Sustainable Finance Round Table, reinforcing dialogue and collaboration between Europe and China in this key field.
A high-level institutional meeting
The event was held at the European Commission Representation in Spain, located at Paseo de la Castellana, 46 (Madrid), and brought together institutional representatives, academics and financial experts from both regions.
Two sessions for strategic dialogue
The programme was structured into two main sessions, featuring prominent speakers from public institutions, academia and the financial sector.
First Session – Institutional and European perspectives
This session included contributions from:
- Dr. Luis A. Rivas, Dean of the Business and Law School, Pontifical University of Salamanca
- Ms. Lucía Marín, International Affairs Expert, DG FISMA, European Commission
- Mr. Huang Min, Vice President of the People’s Bank of China (Central Sub-Branch)
Discussions focused on the European regulatory framework, the role of financial institutions and the alignment of capital flows with global sustainability objectives.
Second Session – International cooperation and financial sector
The second session featured:
- Mr. Rafael Dezcallar de Mazarredo, Ambassador of Spain to China
- Mr. Wu Haitao, Ambassador of China to Spain
- Ms. Huo Jingyu, Vice President of the School of Humanities and Law, Hefei University of Technology
- Mr. Li Jian, General Manager of the Hefei Branch of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank
Speakers emphasized the importance of economic diplomacy, academic cooperation and the financial sector’s role in advancing the green transition.
Strengthening EU–China cooperation on sustainable finance
The event represented an important milestone in the institutional relationship between Salamanca and Hefei, laying the groundwork for future joint initiatives in sustainable finance, academic collaboration and responsible urban development.
Sustainable finance emerged as a key pillar of EU–China cooperation, reaffirming the shared commitment to a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable global economy.
