GASME News

GASME and UNCDF Signed Memorandum of Understanding in Shanghai

On November 7^th, 2018, the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GASME and United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) was held in the Shanghai Parkview Hotel.

Frank Cao, Secretary-General of GASME, Xavier Fernando Michon, Deputy Executive Secretary of UNCDF, and Xiangzuo Jin, Vice Chairman of GASME and President of World Packaging Center Group as well as other guests attended the ceremony.

UNCDF, a subsidiary organ of the United Nations, is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in New York City, USA. As the only capital investment fund within the UN system, UNCDF endeavors to provide investment fund for the world's forty-seven least developed countries (LDCs). GASME, granted the Consultative Status with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, aims to build a world-leading platform for SME collaboration. The two organizations join hands to provide more funding support and business opportunities for SMEs in LDCs.

Mr. Frank Cao pointed out in his address that “1000 China-Africa SMEs Partnership Program launched at the first China-Africa SMEs Convention is an important program proposed by Chinese entrepreneurs to support the development of SMEs in LDCs. The program aims to achieve matchmaking between 1000 Chinese enterprises and 1000 African ones within five years so as to link the advanced technologies, management experience and rich capitals with the great development potential of African SMEs. On November 22nd, 2012, GASME was officially granted the consultative status at the 40th Industrial Development Council of the UNIDO, indicating the high recognition GASME obtained from the UNIDO. Six years later, GASME is signing the MoU with the UNCDF, which marks another milestone in the development of GASME. GASME has three core business: holding the World Manufacturing Convention, establishing a global network of business organizations and promoting targeted poverty alleviation, all of which are closely related to promoting the development of SMEs in LDCs. To promote the economic growth in LDCs is an important mission for both the UN and the international community. Only through the comprehensive economic growth of developed countries, developing countries and LDCs will the UN Sustainable Development Goals be achieved. Funds and technologies are the scarcest resource for LDCs. The partnership between our two parties will create more opportunities for SMEs in LDCs to access funds and technologies.”

Mr. Xavier Fernando Michon pointed out that “the Memorandum of Understanding to be signed is a great step forward in promoting greater access to finance for SMEs in the LDCs economies and identify potential positive investment opportunities in these countries for the investment community. This agreement recognizes not only the key role that SMEs play and will need to play in development as they provide the majority of jobs, deliver goods and services to underserved populations, increase the demand for educated labor, spur innovation and diversify economic activity in local economies beyond capital cities.”

Mr. Xiangzuo Jin also stated in affirmation that everyone should do their utmost to support the development of SMEs in developing countries, and especially the development of SMEs in LDCs because they were the key to achieving the wellbeing of all.

After these addresses, Mr. Frank Cao and Mr. Xavier Michon signed the MoU on behalf of their organizations.