Economics
Integrated Financial and Procurement Audits for Bank Financed Projects – The China Experience
Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) for Bank financed projects have carried out financial and procurement audits. In Poland, this initially started more than a decade ago and there have been several other examples over the past years in other countries.
By the end of FY16, China National Audit Office (CNAO), the SAI in China, had successfully completed its third year of integrated financial and procurement audits for 27 Bank financed projects and accounting for 28% of the total active portfolio of China. This is a big leap from only 3 projects in the first year of FY14.
Rome was not built in a day. CNAO has been the external auditor of all Bank-financed projects in China since 1984. It conducts project audits in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards of the P.R. China and the International Standards on Auditing. The Foreign Funds Application Audit Department and the Audit Service Center of CNAO, and the Provincial Audit Institutions conduct audits on Bank financed projects and issue the audit reports in their names. There are about 120-130 financial audit reports submitted to the Bank every year. CNAO’s audit reports not only include the auditor’s opinion on project financial statements, they also include opinions on procurement compliance as this is an important aspect of the review of the eligibility of expenditures. This procedure is in full compliance with the Audit Law of P. R. China, which requires auditing of authenticity, legality and beneficial results of the budgetary revenues and expenditures or financial revenues and expenditures of public funds. It was under this context that in FY 14, we started piloting the use of CNAO for integrated financial and procurement audits in some Bank-financed projects.
A good start is half way to success. To help auditors have a good start, the Bank procurement team of Beijing conducted several procurement training workshops for CNAO staff. These learning events were very helpful and served not only to equip auditors with sound knowledge on Bank procedures but also to clarify concerns and exchange experiences. At the beginning of FY16, before audit processes are launched, CNAO and the Bank reached an agreement on the audit scope, reporting format, sampling rate and hands-on support arrangements. In the first year of review, auditors expressed their concerns about (i) the heavy workload in some rural projects with hundreds of contracts for review; (ii) reluctance to assess procurement risk in the report as they were not familiar with the project as a whole; and (iii) complexity of the procurement review template. These concerns were jointly considered, discussed and appropriately resolved with efforts from both sides. Currently, CNAO audit reports are a very good source of project’s procurement information and are in full compliance with the Bank’s procurement post review requirements.
Meeting and learning from a practitioner. The World Bank’s China and Poland Offices organized a study tour to Poland. On September 12th, 2016; a CNAO delegation visited NIK, the Supreme Audit…
Business
Gordonstoun Severs Connections with Business Led by Individual Accused of Espionage for China
Gordonstoun school severed ties with Hampton Group over espionage allegations against chairman Yang Tengbo. He denies involvement and claims to be a victim of political tensions between the UK and China.
Allegations Lead to School’s Decision
Gordonstoun School in Moray has cut ties with Hampton Group International after serious allegations surfaced regarding its chairman, Yang Tengbo, who is accused of being a spy for the Chinese government. Known by the alias "H6," Mr. Tengbo was involved in a deal that aimed to establish five new schools in China affiliated with Gordonstoun. However, the recent allegations compelled the school to terminate their agreement.
Public Denial and Legal Action
In response to the spying claims, Mr. Tengbo publicly revealed his identity, asserting that he has committed no wrongdoing. A close associate of Prince Andrew and a former Gordonstoun student himself, Mr. Tengbo has strenuously denied the accusations, stating that he is a target of the escalating tensions between the UK and China. He has claimed that his mistreatment is politically motivated.
Immigration Challenges and Legal Responses
Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, has faced additional challenges regarding his immigration status in the UK. After losing an appeal against a ban enacted last year, he reiterated his innocence, condemning media speculation while emphasizing his commitment to clear his name. Gordonstoun, on its part, stated its inability to divulge further details due to legal constraints.
Source : Gordonstoun cuts ties with business chaired by man accused of spying for China
Business
China Dismantles Prominent Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
The Chinese government demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Xinjiang, affecting Uyghur culture and commerce, prompting criticism from activists amid concerns over cultural erasure and human rights violations.
Demolition of a Cultural Landmark
The Chinese government recently demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Urumqi, Xinjiang, a vital hub for Uyghur culture and commerce, as reported by VOA. This center, once inhabited by more than 800 predominantly Uyghur-owned businesses, has been deserted since 2009. Authorities forcibly ordered local business owners to vacate the premises before proceeding with the demolition, which took place without any public notice.
Condemnation from Activists
Uyghur rights activists have condemned this demolition, perceiving it as part of China’s broader strategy to undermine Uyghur identity and heritage. The event has sparked heightened international concern regarding China’s policies in Xinjiang, which have been characterized by allegations of mass detentions and cultural suppression, prompting claims of crimes against humanity.
Rebiya Kadeer’s Response
Rebiya Kadeer, the center’s namesake and a notable Uyghur rights advocate, criticized the demolition as a deliberate attempt to erase her legacy. Kadeer, who has been living in exile in the U.S. since her release from imprisonment in 2005, continues to advocate for Uyghur rights. She has expressed that her family members have suffered persecution due to her activism, while the Chinese government has yet to comment on the legal ramifications of the demolition.
Source : China Demolishes Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
Business
Yakult Unveils Restructuring Plans for Its China Operations | ESM Magazine
Yakult reorganized its China operations, dissolving the Shanghai subsidiary while opening a new branch. Manufacturing now consolidates at Wuxi and Tianjin plants, aiming for enhanced efficiency and growth.
Yakult’s Business Reorganisation in China
Yakult has announced a significant reorganisation of its operations in China, aiming to enhance competitiveness and sustainability. The company has dissolved its wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Yakult, which previously managed manufacturing and sales functions. This strategic move is expected to streamline its operations in the Chinese market.
New Branch and Manufacturing Adjustments
Yakult’s head office in China has established a new branch in Shanghai, transferring the sales division from Shanghai Yakult to this location. As of December 6, the branch has started selling various products, including Yakult and its light variants. Meanwhile, the manufacturing plant in Shanghai has ceased operations, with production capacity now absorbed by the Wuxi and Tianjin plants to ensure efficient supply.
Commitment to Growth
The company remains steadfast in its dedication to the Chinese market and is optimistic about future growth. Yakult reassured stakeholders that the reorganisation will have minimal financial impact and aims to enhance efficiency. Founded in 2005 in Shanghai, Yakult China currently employs approximately 2,216 individuals, reinforcing its commitment to customer health and expanding operations.
Source : Yakult Announces Reorganisation Of China Business | ESM Magazine
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