The World Bank Group’s engagement in China has evolved with the country’s development trajectory and shifting priorities. In the early years, the WBG brought international experience to help design economic reform strategies, improve project management, and address key bottlenecks to growth. More recently, a two-way relationship has evolved —the World Bank offers international expertise to help address China’s key development challenges and pilot reforms through projects and programs; and China’s development experiences enhance the WBG global knowledge and capacity to help other developing countries.
Joint flagship studies, which began more than 10 years with China 2030: Building a Modern, Harmonious, and Creative Society, have been important for deepening the dialogue on policies. These studies have also provided a model for other middle-income countries.
In partnership with the Ministry of Finance , the China–WBG Global Center for Ecological Systems and Transitions (GKC), launched in December 2024, capitalizes China’s unique development experience in ecosystem restoration, and leverages growing global knowledge including World Bank Group’s expertise and global networks, bringing together stakeholders from around the world to exchange ideas, experience, and best practices, all the while promoting the creation of new knowledge.
World Bank-financed projects introduce innovations and pilot new approaches. They also serve as platforms for knowledge exchange. The current lending program focuses on global public goods and the strengthening of key institutions. Key thematic areas include decarbonization, environmental protection, water pollution control and prevention, biodiversity protection, and pandemic preparedness.