QuickTake: Fast and Furious on China through the Bitter End

As predicted, the Trump Administration will not go quietly into transition. Aside from the tragic domestic events over the weekend, the Trump team has been active in issuing major policy announcements aimed at China over the past few weeks. The common narrative in D.C. has been that China will not be an immediate priority for the Biden team; rather, it will be COVID relief, economic recovery, and healing our divisions domestically. Yet, some of Trump’s actions will force the Biden team to contend with China early on.

China Wants to Be the World’s Banker

The U.S. remains the dominant force in the financial-services industry, leading in nearly every area of finance, from venture capital and private equity to banking and asset management. The liquidity and scale of U.S. capital markets support the primacy of the dollar, which allows Americans to pay less for foreign goods and helps finance U.S. government spending. America’s financial leadership, however, is increasingly being challenged by fierce competition from abroad and by shortsighted and counterproductive policies at home. Maintaining U.S. financial pre-eminence should be a priority for the Biden administration.

QuickTake: Roundup of Recent China Developments

The Trump Administration has not let the Presidential election slow down their pace of action targeting China. With President Trump focused on advancing claims of election fraud, members of his team bent on reshaping the bilateral relationship irrevocably have been hard at work over the past few weeks. In the meantime, the long-awaited bill requiring the delisting of Chinese firms finally passed; there have been further curbs on Xinjiang cotton; and, China’s 92 million Communist Party members are subject to new visa restrictions effective immediately. Elsewhere, the Biden Cabinet is taking shape as he announces his nominees for several key positions. The following is a quick roundup of the developments over the past few weeks.

Quick Take:  U.S.-China System Overload?

The Trump Administration has been rolling out China-targeted actions at a fast and furious pace over the past few weeks. From revoking Hong Kong’s special status with the U.S. to talk of banning Chinese apps, visa restrictions and Uyghur-related sanctions, the hits keep coming. Is this pace of action overloading the system? With so much confusion around the details, it seems so. Here’s what you need to know about what has happened lately.

Why China’s Carbon Market is Failing to Take off

It’s been a slow road for China’s long-awaited national carbon market. Announced by Chinese president Xi Jinping in 2015 and launched in 2017, the market promises to be the world’s largest – and the developing world’s first – national emissions trading scheme.Hailed as a potential game-changer in the fight against climate change, it represents a core element of Mr Xi’s “war on pollution”. But after years of delays, the market has yet to trade a single yuan. The Covid-19 crisis could be the impetus that gets the national carbon market back on track. 

Quick Take: China Shortens the 2020 Negative Lists

Yesterday China announced another reduction to its Negative Lists, which are the lists of sectors prohibited or restricted for foreign investment. While there were no surprises and most of the reductions had been included in the Phase One trade deal, the move is important symbolically and in reality. The key, however, will be to monitor approvals of applications submitted under these newly opened sectors. Here's a quick summary of the reductions that were made in this latest round.

Quick Take: China's NPC: 2+1 = Infrastructure

Against the backdrop of heightened U.S.-China tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic, China announced new economic initiatives during the National People’s Congress meetings held May 22-28. China reoriented to focus on job creation and support for small business versus GDP growth. Policies announced reflect this focus.One noteworthy program is the "Two New + One Key" effort which promotes investment in new infrastructure, new urbanization, and key strategic projects.The implementation of this project could create further tensions between the U.S. and China stemming from the ongoing battle for technological dominance.

NPC Update: What Policy Themes Might Emerge?

The annual National People’s Congress (NPC) meetings – delayed since March due to the pandemic – will begin on May 22 in Beijing. The fact that the session will be held in-person is a milestone in China’s return to normalcy. COVID-19 will dominate the agenda along with how to spur the economy, particularly getting consumer spending back on track and helping the small and medium-sized enterprises. Most closely watched will be the setting of the economic growth target – a centerpiece of this meeting in normal times. We expect to see either a move away from setting the target or a lowering to potentially 3% – from the previous 6% target.

Quick Take: New Low in China Rhetoric - and What it Could Mean for Businesses

There is so much vitriol directed at China and coming from China over the past couple of weeks. In this Quick Take, we take a look at how wild the rhetoric has become, share some thoughts about what this new low could mean, and about the new risk for businesses to navigate.

Quick Take: What's New with China's Latest Roadmap to Marketize Production Factors?

China issues a new roadmap to marketize production factors, including land, labor, capital, and data. While much of these proposed reforms have been debated for decades, the economic impact of the virus may create renewed political will to move forward. If successfully implemented, these changes would be transformational for the Chinese economy. Here is a summary of the guidelines.

Quick Take: The Backlash against China Begins

As a glimmer of hope has appeared in the fight against COVID-19 in the United States as cases start to stabilize in New York, attention is turning to who should pay for the economic harm and loss of life resulting from the spread of the coronavirus. From Capitol Hill to the churches, there are increasing calls for China to take responsibility for the rapid global spread of the virus. The argument is that the world was not prepared for the severity and rapid spread because China withheld scientific information and downplayed the actual numbers of people infected. Here's our latest observations about the growing backlash against China and future implications.

Quick Take: How is China's Recovery Looking?

While there are significant questions around the reliability of China’s numbers both in terms of reporting COVID-19 cases and mortality rates, they are slowly getting back to work. Mostly, the country is back to work and reopening, but consumers are still reluctant to spend because of fears of a downturn or a resurgence with the virus. Here is how we are looking at the numbers this week.

Quick Take: How is China’s Global Reputation Faring?

So much is unsettled and unknown right now in this new world of the pandemic; the international community's relationship with China is no exception. China's reputation is subject to as much volatility as the markets. Many of the mechanisms to backstop this reputational volatility are stalled or being politicized. While there are more questions than answers about how China – and the world – will come out of this pandemic, the questions shed light on emerging trends. Here's our latest observations about how China's profile is faring globally.

China's Returning Workforce Sector and City Tracking

Based on public sources and briefings, we have compiled a tracking sheet for the percentage of China’s workforce returning in various sectors and in key provinces and cities since the initial shutdowns in China started on January 23, 2020. This document will be updated regularly.

Quick Take: China Shows Signs of Recovery While Virus Hits Rest of the World

With so much of the media coverage shifting attention to the coronavirus turning into a pandemic and the spread in the U.S., here are a few of the developments in China over the past week you might have missed.

Quick Take: Coronavirus Latest – China’s Efforts to Shore Up Economy

The coronavirus picks up speed in the U.S. as it seemingly comes under control in China. Speculation about the global economic impact includes fears of a recession. Facing already slowing economic growth, China is rolling out measures to shore up the economy almost daily. Here is what you need to know about China’s initiatives.

Quick Take: Coronavirus Latest – Implications for Business

The coronavirus’ rapid spread is hitting the Chinese – and global – economy during the Lunar New Year celebrations, a major driver of consumer growth. While China has acted swiftly to curb domestic and international travel, cancel holiday celebrations, and extend the Lunar festival holidays, developments are fast-moving. Here's what you need to know about the implications for business.

Phase One China-U.S. Trade Deal

Summary of the phase one trade deal with China from our partners at Edelman.

Quick Take: What Else You Should Know about the Phase One Trade Deal with China

A lot has been written summarizing the phase one deal with China, but there are a few aspects of the agreement that are worth highlighting along with some of the implications now that this agreement has been signed. Here’s our take on what else you should know.

U.S.-China Deal Could Upend the Way Nations Settle Disputes

Basilinna CEO Deborah Lehr's views on the enforcement mechanisms of the US China Phase I trade deal.

China’s State Councilor Kicks Off Africa Tour with Egypt

This past week, China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, started his annual trip to Africa with his first stop in Egypt. The tradition of making the first foreign trip of the year to Egypt demonstrates the importance China has made relations with the country. Egypt is an essential part of its strategic plan for the Middle East and North Africa as well as a hub for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Quick Take: What Should be in a Phase Two China Trade Deal?

The phase one trade deal will be signed on January 15, and consideration is being given to what a phase two negotiation should include. Here's our take on what could and should be in the second round.

The Paulson Institute Explores Possible Applications of Fintech at the IFF 2019 Annual Conference’s Global Fintech Summit

The Global Fintech Summit was launched at the International Finance Forum (IFF) 2019 Annual Conference by the Paulson Institute and the IFF. Policy makers, business leaders and senior scholars from the United Nations, China, Europe and the Middle East engaged with delegates of the annual conference on the development and application of fintech globally. The summit was moderated by Ms. Deborah Lehr, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of the Paulson Institute, and a current IFF Board member.

Quick Take: China's Economic Work Conference

Last month, China held its annual Central Economic Work Conference which lays out economic priorities for the year. Here's what you need to know as you consider your 2020 China market strategy.

China as a Climate Leader

This week, Energy 360 looks at the role of China on the global climate stage. Deborah Lehr (Vice Chairman and Executive Director, Paulson Institute) and Han Chen (Manager for Energy Policy, International Program, NRDC), with Lachlan Carey (Associate Fellow, CSIS Energy & National Security Program), explain the actions China must take to meet its climate targets and be seen as a global leader on climate action.

Quick Take: A Phase One Trade Deal - At Long Last

China and the United States announce a phase one trade deal (at long last), but details will not be available for a few weeks. Based on meetings with the Administration and the Chinese, press reports, and public statements, here is what we have learned.

“中国的金融科技和绿色金融都极具潜力” ——专访保尔森基金会副主席兼总裁戴青丽女士

国际金融论坛（IFF）第16届全球年会（F20峰会）于11月22日到24日在广州召开。IFF理事、保尔森基金会副主席兼总裁戴青丽女士也出席了本此大会，并主持了由保尔森基金会与国际金融论坛联合主办的“国际金融峰会：金融科技的应用”论坛，会同中国互联网协会会长李东荣先生、维也纳经济大学加密经济学研究所所长舍尔明·沃斯米吉尔先生等多位嘉宾，就金融科技的创新与监管、金融科技与可持续发展、区块链的应用、金融科技的全球化等课题进行了对话和分享。

“中埃两国在金融科技领域合作空间广阔”——专访埃及投资部及规划部常务副部长Yasser Elnaggar大使

国际金融论坛（IFF）第16届全球年会（F20峰会）于11月22日到24日在广州召开。IFF理事、埃及投资部前常务副部长、埃及规划部前常务副部长、ENInvestment咨询公司首席执行官Yasser Elnaggar也出席了本此大会，并在由保尔森基金会与国际金融论坛联合主办的“国际金融峰会：金融科技的应用”论坛上参与讨论发言。会后，Yasser Elnaggar先生也就中埃两国在金融科技领域的合作，接受了环球网记者专访。

Fortune's Global Tech Forum: Inside the Trade War’s Tech Battle That Neither China Nor the U.S. Can Afford to Lose

At a Thursday panel at Fortune's Global Tech Forum in Guangzhou, China, policy and industry experts discussed the potential of a U.S.-China decoupling and where technology companies fall in the two superpowers' trade and tech wars. Deborah Lehr, CEO of Basilinna and vice chairman and executive director of the Paulson Institute, offers a pragmatic view of the situation.

New Partners, New Challenges: The BRI Comes to Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier October, Basilinna COO, Leigh Wedell was invited to a panel convened by the Atlantic Council on the topic of ‘Belt and Road in Latin America: Where does the future lie?’ The panel took up some of the issues explored in their new report on the trajectory of Chinese investment and its implications for the region.

Al-Ahram Weekly: Egypt's Road to Renewable Energy

Egypt’s climate, population demographics and growing economy align with China’s own goals for pushing ahead on green energy, and for using this issue as a platform for deeper international partnerships. Whether cooperating on NEVs or tapping Egypt’s vast potential for renewable power, there are no signs that this relationship will be fading any time soon.

Deborah Lehr on the Importance of Green Finance

The Paulson Institute’s Deborah Lehr joins the latest episode of our “All About the Green” podcast. Speaking with the IIF’s Managing Director and Head of Sustainable Finance, Sonja Gibbs, the conversation focuses on China and Deborah’s work at the Paulson Institute. Sonja and Deborah also focus on China – specifically the efforts to green the Belt and Road Initiative, but also what China is doing beyond the BRI.

Bloomberg: 'Balance of Power'

"Bloomberg: Balance of Power" focuses on the intersection of politics and global business. On October 1, 2019, amid the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC, Basilinna CEO Deborah Lehr was featured to discuss the future of China's economy and how U.S. companies should react.

Bloomberg Daybreak: Debt Remains a Key Issue for Chinese Economy

On September 1st 2019, Basilinna CEO Deborah Lehr was featured on "Bloomberg Daybreak Americas" to discuss China's pivot to consumer & SME growth, China’s strategy as they head into trade negotiations with the U.S. next month, the effect of the 2020 candidates on U.S.-China relations, and the impact of events in Hong Kong on U.S.-China trade talks.

Bloomberg: Biggest Issue of Trade Talks Is Enforcement of Commitments

On August 1, 2019, Basilinna CEO Deborah Lehr was featured on "Bloomberg Markets: Asia" discussing the U.S.-China trade negotiations, including the biggest sticking point of the talks, the implications of the coming 2020 election, the Chinese negotiators and agricultural purchases by China.

Quick Take: Treasury Declares China a Currency Manipulator as the Trade Tensions Escalate

Late Monday, August 5 2019, Treasury took the significant step of declaring China a currency manipulator in response to China’s retaliation of the threatened tariff increases. This is our take on the latest move in the escalating bilateral tensions.

Bloomberg Daybreak: Extent of China Text Changes a Reason for Concern on Trade Deal

Deborah Lehr, CEO of Basilinna and Vice Chairman and Executive Director at the Paulson Institute, discusses the state of U.S.-China trade talks with Bloomberg's David Westin.

Quick Take: Belt and Road Forum Attempts to Address Growing Criticism

President Xi Jinping presided over China’s Second Belt and Road Forum last week in Beijing amidst growing international criticism. Here’s our quick take on what you need to know.

Al Ahram Weekly: Green investing -- Good deal and good deed

Investing in green turns out to be a good deal as well as a good deed. China, which has now become one of the world’s largest markets for green finance, is showing how investing in sustainability is not only important for saving the earth but can bring about excellent returns for the investor. As Egypt seeks to “clean and green” the country while promoting economic growth, China’s example offers some insight into a path forward for Egypt.

sky TG24: Italy-China agreements, the strongest criticisms come from the US

Basilinna CEO, Deborah Lehr, was featured in sky TG24, discussing President Xi Jinping's visit to Italy, Italy joining the Belt and Road Initiative, and the U.S. reaction (interview in Italian).

The Diplomat: How Latin America Factors Into the US-China Rivalry

The U.S.-China relationship is on a new trajectory that has profound implications for other regions. Even with a resolution to the trade war possibly on the horizon, this bilateral relationship is now confronting a systemic clash that – at its heart – centers around the race to commercialize transformative technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and self-driving vehicles. This clash will play out not just between the United States and China, but around the world, pressuring countries and leading tech companies to choose a side.

China.org.cn: China, Egypt reap mutual benefits through strategic cooperation

On his recent visit to Egypt, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan noted that "both [of these] ancient civilizations share extensive interests and great cooperation potential." Egypt and China have much in common – a long and storied history, being a dominant power in their regions and strong potential for being partners in future growth. As China seeks to expand and diversify, there is much to attract a Chinese company to the land of the Great Pyramids.

The Diplomat: How the US-China Tech Wars Will Impact the Developing World

If an “economic iron curtain” falls, it will be in areas like the Middle East and Africa.

Caixin Opinion: 促进绿色投资 中国需要什么

政府有必要打好“组合拳”，包括制定实施有效的政策、采取奖惩结合的措施以及建立有利于拉动投资和绿色发展的监管架构，从而吸引和撬动更多的社会资本。

SCMP Opinion: China’s green finance model shows how saving the planet can also be a savvy investment

With the world’s largest carbon trading exchange, huge green bond market and plethora of green private equity funds, China has shown that well-crafted regulatory, policy and financial frameworks can spur private interest in green finance.

جينج زهو رئيس الشركة الصينية لـ «المال » : ‏Pintec تدرس العمل بالسوق المصرية

تدرس شركة Pintec الصينية، المتخصصة فى الحلول المالية التكنولوجية، دخول السوق المصرية ضمن خطتها التوسعية .

INTERVIEW: Can fintech help Egypt achieve financial inclusion?

As Egypt eyes greater financial inclusion amid its drive towards comprehensive national development, digital transformation is key to achieving those goals.

The Plan for Markets to Finance Chinese Sustainability

At China’s annual economic work conference last month, President Xi reiterated China’s commitment to being a world leader in green finance. Finding ways to use market mechanisms to help pay for the country’s ambitious program on environmental protection is essential to its success. To this end, nine Chinese ministries issued The Action Plan on Building A Market-oriented and Diversified Ecological Protection Compensation Mechanism (the Plan), as a road map for its intentions at the end of December.

Bloomberg Daybreak: Chinese Economy Is Slowing

Basilinna CEO Deborah Lehr is featured on Bloomberg Daybreak to discuss the latest U.S.-China storylines on multiple fronts---including Liu's He's visit and the ever-evolving Huawei news.

PINTEC President Zhou Jing Lays Out Vision for Financial Inclusion at Banking Tech North Africa

Zhou Jing, the president of Pintec Technology Holdings Limited ("PINTEC"), a leading independent technology platform enabling financial services in China, laid out her vision on Monday for how to drive financial inclusion globally, which will require providing financial products and services to meet the needs of individuals and businesses in a responsible and sustainable way.

Quick Take: Huawei Under Pressure: Implications for Chinese Tech

The developments around the high-profile arrest of Huawei’s CFO has created a media frenzy, launched a range of conspiracy theories and increased speculation about the role of Chinese telecom equipment providers globally. The following is a succinct summary of the salient facts of the case and its potential implications.

Bloomberg Daybreak: From Bush's Relationship With China to the Present

Basilinna CEO Deborah Lehr is featured on Bloomberg Daybreak (starting from 26:05 of the video), to discuss the foreign policy of President George H.W. Bush and its connection to the current U.S.-China relationship.

Bloomberg Daybreak: President George H.W. Bush's Foreign Policy Legacy

Basilinna CEO Deborah Lehr is featured on Bloomberg Daybreak, to discuss the foreign policy of President George H.W. Bush and its connection to the current U.S.-China relationship.

Harvey Schwartz, former chief operating officer of Goldman Sachs: Responding to financial crisis leadership is critical

Mr. Schwartz, Former COO of Goldman Sachs: One of the most important take-aways from the crisis is the importance of strong leadership, the global coordination from individuals, institutions, governments and policy makers.

Harvey Schwartz, former president and co-chief operating officer of Goldman Sachs: China's deleveraging measures are better implemented. Opening is a major trend.

Mr. Schwartz said that for many decades interest rates have effectively been declining, creating very low interest rates, encouraging leverage and with the introduction of quantitative easing – ultimately helping to drive asset prices significantly higher. As we now see a shift to increasing interest rates or “quantitative tightening,” it is somewhat likely that certain institutions and countries may be impacted.

2018 Golden Week

Why Chinese Tourists Deserve Your Attention

For more than 20 years, I've worked with clients entering and expanding in the China market across all major business sectors and mainly Fortune 500 companies. Lately, there's been a major uptick in interest in capturing the China tourism market, and we have been working with new clients on how to tap into this formidable market

New business rules for China's new era

President Xi Jinping is China’s great disruptor. Emboldened by decades of breakneck economic growth and fresh off a consolidation of power, President Xi’s vision for the “new era” is upending domestic and international norms to reshape how business is done in China.

China Egypt tourism: forging new bonds

The Third Revolution by Liz Economy

China-Egypt Tourism surges solidifying bilateral ties

Few nations boast a richer cultural lineage than China or Egypt. To draw a line from their present to their past is to trace the evolution of human civilization. Despite this shared global relevance, until recently the two nations have remained isolated by geographical circumstance. Now that is beginning to change as Chinese tourists flock to Egypt in record numbers.

Chinese explore new waters -- cruising

Chinese tourists are on the move, and they have a new passion – cruising. The number of Chinese taking to the high seas has grown 10 fold every year since 2011, and is expected to top 4.5 million cruisers by 2020. North American’s still dominate cruise holidays today with almost 14 million setting sail each year. Europeans follow with just over 6 million travelers, and the rest of the world accounts for 4 million. But these dynamics are changing as the Chinese explore new waters.

Green bonds can promote economic growth for Egypt

Sustainability has taken another step forward in Egypt this month. On July 18, the Egyptian government announced a regulatory framework for the issuance of green bonds to promote sustainable development. The challenge, however, will be finding projects qualified for the “green” designation, especially since the definition of what constitutes a sustainable project is yet to be standardized in Egypt – or in most markets for that matter. And implementation and enforcement mechanisms for these standards are even less defined.

China has cut back the "negative list" for foreign investment. See an overview of the changes on our infographic.

How China is winning over the Middle East

As President Xi Jinping impels China to take a more active role internationally, the Middle East is becoming one of its key staging grounds. At a gathering of 21 Arab nations in Beijing this month, Xi pledged billions pledged billions in loans and financial aid to support economic development in these countries. At this Arab Summit, well attended by foreign ministers from across the Arab speaking world, the Chinese government successfully elevated their relationship with the region to a “strategic partnership.” Read more about this growing relationship.

Can China export fintech?

In China, a person can go a whole day without touching cash. One can grab breakfast from a food cart, jump on the subway, buy lunch at a restaurant and a drink from a vending machine, head back home again, stopping off at the grocery store to pick up food for dinner – just using one’s phone. More than 527 million Chinese citizens are doing this every day.

US-China Trade Talks - Q&A With Deborah Lehr On What America's CEOs Can Expect Going Forward

Following threats of a trade war and new tariffs, the United States and China appear to have agreed on a framework for a trade agreement. Earlier this week I spoke with Deborah Lehr, the CEO of Basilinna, a close colleague of mine with deep expertise in China. Lehr is one of the world’s leading voices on US-China relations, having led US negotiations with China across all major sectors as a Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative during the Clinton Administration. Today she helps business executives solve problems and build successful partnerships in Chinese and Middle Eastern markets.

China's Vice Premier heads to U.S. for trade talks

Deborah Lehr, CEO of Basilinna, discusses trade relations between the United States and China as the nations prepare to resume trade talks. She speaks with Bloomberg's David Westin on "Bloomberg Daybreak: Americas."

Quick Take: U.S.-China Trade Talks, Where are we this week?

Vice Premier Liu He arrives next week for second round of trade talks, likely late next week Focus will be on reducing the trade deficit through increasing purchases, market access for key products, tech transfer, and intellectual property rights Finding some kind of resolution on ZTE will be a Chinese priority

中国能否出口金融科技？专家：埃及是个好选择

据环球网科技此前报道，中国互联网络信息中心1月31日发布的第四十一次《中国互联网络发展状况统计报告》显示，我国手机支付用户规模增长迅速，截至2017年12月，达到5.27亿。 工信部总工程师张峰表示，截至2017年10月底，我国移动支付交易规模近150万亿元，居全球首位。

Basilinna's CEO Lehr says China Is well prepared for any Trump trade action

Basilinna's CEO, Deborah Lehr, is interviewed on Bloomberg Markets: The Open.

Quick Take: Egypt's Presidential elections produces expected results. What does another Sisi term mean?

As expected, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi secured a second term this past March, receiving 97 percent of the votes but with only 41% voter turn out. Expect to see continued focus on growing the economy, including eliminating government subsidies, opening new sectors to foreign investment, and job creation. On foreign affairs, close ties will continue with the United States and China.

China's new leadership

Quick Take: China's new financial "Dream Team" signals opening up

What comes next after China's financial "Dream Team" was announced? Opening up of China's financial sector to foreign firms is a priority of the newly announced leadership coming out of the National People’s Congress. The financial sector leadership announced last week is the most Westernized and technically experienced to date.

NPC Update: At last, the new leadership announced

‍China announced its new state leadership today, with only a few surprises. The most interesting “statement” however, was that in all government-issued organizational charts, Vice President Wang Qishan is ranked as the number two in the government, ahead of Premier Li Keqiang. Totally unprecedented

China's new energy vehicles lead the pack

Global production of new energy vehicles (NEVs) reached an estimated whopping 1.2 million units in 2017, a growth in production of over 200,000 vehicles when compared to the 2016 number of 873,000. As nations such as the United Kingdom and France make announcements to reduce the use of traditional, internal-combusting engines (ICE) cars, it is clear that the world is beginning to further accept NEVs, with China being the leader of the pack.

NPC Update: China Reshuffles the Cabinet … in a Big Way

Significant restructuring of the government was announced this week at the National People’s Congress (NPC); biggest reform since former Premier Zhu Rongji’s in 1998. Eight ministries and seven commissions were eliminated or streamlined to create 26. This structure reflects President Xi’s priorities, allows for better coordination, and reduces turf wars.

"The Party" - Understanding China's body politic

At a time when the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is frequently in the news, we recommend reading Richard McGregor's authoritative book, “The Party: The Secret World of China’s Communist Rulers.” Written in 2011, McGregor, a former China based writer for the Financial Times, reveals the wide role of the Communist Party in aspects of Chinese life and society.

NPC Update: Slow Start

The 13th session of the National People’s Congress (NPC)—China’s nearly 3,000-delegate parliament—began on Monday, March 5th with an address from Premier Li Keqiang about the state of the economy. In it, he cited a GDP growth target of “about 6.5 percent,” and a commitment to managing macro-level financial risks.

BBC: Deborah Lehr speaks on China, trade, and tariffs

Deborah Lehr speaks on BBC World on the possibility of tariffs and what that means for U.S.-China trade relations.

Bloomberg: What to watch for in China's National People's Congress

Deborah Lehr, CEO of Basilinna and vice chairman at Paulson Institute, discusses U.S. trade tariffs and the main issues to watch at China's National People's Congress. She speaks with Bloomberg's David Westin on "Bloomberg Daybreak: Americas."

Surveillance: We Are in a Reactive Phase, Alden Says

Deborah Lehr speaks with Bloomberg Surveillance on China markets and trade.

B&R helps China firms to expand in overseas markets

After years of development, the Belt and Road Initiative is increasingly helping Chinese companies to go global, besides driving regional and global economic growth, said the top executive of Basilinna, a US-based strategic business consulting firm. Deborah Lehr, CEO and founding partner of Basilinna and vice-chairman of The Paulson Institute, a Chicago-based think tank and research institution, said Chinese companies are now ramping up their efforts to expand overseas.

NPC Update: Fact Sheet

Each March, the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) convene to approve the work plans for the next year in what is commonly known as the “Two Meetings,” or Lianghui. The NPC annual meeting brings together 2,980 deputies from the provinces, the military, and the central government in Beijing. Given the significant personnel changes over the past five years, almost 75 percent of the delegates will be new.

Auspicious Eight: A Chinese New Year primer

Quick Take: What you need to know about the CFIUS and FIRRMA

Since being introduced by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) on November 8th, the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Committee on Housing, Banking, and Urban Affairs held four hearings over the past two months on FIRRMA, the bill to expand CFIUS’s jurisdiction. A tone of tempered resolve to expand CFIUS was clear during the hearings.

Green team results

China's "green teams" wrap up two-year, nationwide inspection

After two years traversing the country, China's green inspection teams are back in Beijing and the results are in: 2,900 businesses and more than 18,000 people have been held accountable for violating central-level edicts to clean up the environment. How did the "green teams" hit these staggering numbers?

The U.S.-China Green Fund inaugurates the U.S.-China Green Baoye Smart Building Research Institute in Shanghai

The U.S.-China Green Baoye Smart Building Research Institute was inaugurated on January 26, 2018 by the U.S.-China Green Fund and Baoye Group. Basilinna was honored to have been represented by our President for China, Gracie Sun, who spoke at the event.

Driving down a new road: New energy vehicles in China’s green transition

China has rapidly emerged at the forefront of the new energy vehicles (NEV) market — not by choice, but by necessity. As the largest carbon emitter in the world, lowering energy emissions from transportation is a core part of its war against pollution.

A closer look: How CFIUS really works

No sooner had the New Year been pronounced in Times Square than a pronouncement of a different sort was coming out of Washington: the high profile $1.2 billion purchase of MoneyGram by China’s Ant Financial had officially been stymied by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) – after three chances at bat.

Quick Take: China signals greater "opening up" is imminent

China has been sending strong signals that they intend to announce greater market opening for foreign firms as well as a crackdown on intellectual property rights violations to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the launch of China’s “reform and opening up” initiative.

Quick Take: Is China the star of Davos -- again?

Minister Liu He, the trusted economic adviser to President Xi Jinping, gave a much-anticipated speech to the Davos attendees. In keeping with the new normal in China post 19th Party Congress, Liu quoted President Xi: “As long as we keep to the goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind and work hand in hand to fulfill our responsibilities and overcome difficulties, we will be able to create a better world and deliver better lives for our people."

Liu He speaks on reform and opening up at World Economic Forum

Liu He, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and the director of the office of the Central Finance Leading Group, delivered a speech on “China’s Economic Policy” at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on January 24th.

Xi: Door to world remains open

China will not close its door to the world, and indeed will become increasingly open, such as in business, which will become more transparent and better regulated, President Xi Jinping said. He made the pledge in a message of congratulations at the start of the Fortune Global Forum in Guangzhou on Dec 6 in which more than 1,100 prominent political, economic and academic figures from around the world took part.

Graphics: China's economy expands 6.9 pct in 2017, beats forecasts

Egyptian Drivers Hold The Key to Cleaner Air

Egyptian drivers hold the key to cleaner air

As the slow wheels of government inch toward policies that lead to cleaner air, Egyptian drivers could hold the key to a faster result, with the answer provided by an unlikely partner – Chinese auto companies. The steadily growing demand for ground transportation has Egypt facing fast growing levels of greenhouse gas emissions, with 50 percent stemming just from vehicles.

China’s green capacity challenge

Last month I was asked by my former employer, the Paulson Institute (PI), to write a paper on how to build out Chinese capacity in green finance. PI launched a new series of papers tackling a number of key issues that if addressed could unlock the potential of green finance – which could be a game changer in China’s war on pollution.

Greening the Belt and Road: opportunities for Egypt

Much has been made of China’s grand building plan for the Belt and Road Initiative, but little attention is focused on the “green” standards that China is proposing to receive this investment. Launched in 2013 by China’s President Xi Jinping, the B&R is a one-trillion-dollar plan to finance infrastructure investments spanning over 60 countries and covering three quarters of the world’s population.