Chinese Financiers provide loans, grants, or equity to fund the planning, implementation, and operation of BRI projects. Although some projects may only involve one financier, larger projects generally involve a group of banks that may spread the risks associated with investments through syndication. Headquartered in Beijing, Chinese policy banks are large state-run financial institutions that support and promote the policy objectives of the Chinese Government. Commercial banks vary in size and scope. The Big Five Banks, which include the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Bank of China (BoC), Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), China Construction Bank (CCB), and Bank of Communications (BoCom), are highly active overseas. Larger banks like the Big Five Banks often have headquarters in Beijing, as well as branches in Chinese provinces, Hong Kong, and BRI host countries. Backed by the Chinese Government, Chinese investment funds, such as the Silk Road Fund, finance certain aspects of BRI projects.
Possible Roles and Responsibilities of Chinese Financiers:
- Receive project financing applications from developers and contractors.
- Screen and categorize projects by environmental and social risks and impacts.
- Conduct due diligence to identify, assess, and manage commercial, environmental, social, political, and reputational risks.
- Provide funding to projects.
- Set requirements in project financing agreements for developers, contractors, and subcontractors to conduct the proper due diligence; inform and engage affected people and other stakeholders; establish a grievance mechanism; assess, manage, and monitor environmental and social impacts; and employ and protect local workers.
- Share updates about the status of projects on their websites and in other public forums.
- Disclose project-related documents such as environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) and environmental and social management plans (ESMPs) on their websites and in other public forums.
While this toolkit highlights 11 major Chinese financiers, BRI projects could receive funding from other Chinese financiers, as well as local, regional, or international financiers, which either operate or have a presence in host countries.