Su Ning: Bankcard services for farmers in Anhui Province, China
Speech by Mr Su Ning, Deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China, at the Launching
Ceremony and Press Conference of Bankcard Services for Farmers, Hefei, Anhui Province,
12 October 2007.
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Respected Vice Governor Mr. Huang Haisong, distinguished guests, friends from the media,
ladies and gentlemen:
Good morning! In this beautiful autumn season, I'm very pleased to attend the "Launching
Ceremony and Press Conference of Bankcard Services for farmers in Anhui Province". The
successful launch of the bankcard services for farmers is of great importance in the run-up of
the 17th CPC Congress. On behalf of the People's Bank of China (PBC), I'd like to express
our warmest congratulations on the launch of the farmers' bankcard services, and our
sincere gratitude to Anhui Provincial CPC Committee, Anhui provincial government and other
friends for your support to our work! Our thanks also go to all those comrades who devoted
themselves to this endeavor.
To strengthen the work in "agriculture, rural areas and farmers" and to steadily push ahead
with the construction of a new socialist countryside is a necessary requirement for the
comprehensive implementation of the scientific approach to development and construction of
a harmonious socialist society, and an important task to accelerate the socialist
modernization drive. The PBC attaches great importance to the rural financial system, and
puts it high on our agenda. The successful launch of bankcard services for farmers is an
important measure for the PBC in its efforts to implement the scientific approach to
development and to serve the construction of a new socialist countryside; an effective means
to speed up rural financial infrastructure construction and improve the financial services in
rural areas; and also a good way to support and guide rural financial institutions, rural credit
cooperatives (RCC) in particular, to accelerate business innovation, uplift rural financial
services and achieve a win-win situation.
The launch of the bankcard services for farmers has two pre-conditions: first, large migrant
workers exporting provinces (autonomous regions or municipalities); second, sound RCC
integrated systems. Based on these two conditions, the PBC launched the service in 13
provinces or municipalities, enabling a large number of migrant workers to access
convenient, expedient and secure bankcard services, hence becoming quite popular among
migrant workers and generating good socio-economic benefits. Now we are delighted to see
that Anhui province has completed the preparatory work! This marks a new step forward for
Anhui's rural financial development.
When promoting the bankcard services for farmers, PBC sub-branches made careful
preparations; banking regulatory bureaus at provincial and municipal level actively rendered
support to various card issuing institutions; China Union Pay and RCCs overcame difficulties
and exhibited impressive team spirit. I hope that all concerning parties can build on the
success and rapid switch the focus of work onto improving the operations, increasing
business volumes and serving migrant workers well.
First, recognize the importance of farmers' bankcards and improve our work in earnest
manner. All parties concerned shall fully recognize the importance of bankcard service for
farmers, see the "big picture", fulfill their responsibilities and do their job well.
Second, take effective measures to improve the service quality. Card-issuing banks should
activate all ordinary debit cards for this service, and determine a reasonable service fee;
improve business training and other aspects related to transaction vouchers; and do a good
job in consulting and claims settlement.
Third, standardize services and strengthen risk management. All parties concerned shall
conform to regulations on account management, cash management, bankcard management
and anti-money laundering. RCCs should take rigorous measures to ensure the safety and
confidentiality of data transfer during bankcard transactions.
Fourth, actively promote the service. All parties concerned should undertake multi-layer,
The Guidelines Concerning the
multi-dimensional promotional campaigns in accordance with
Promotion of Bankcard Services for Farmers in 2007.
I believe, under the care and support of Anhui provincial government, PBC branches and
sub-branches, various card-issuing institutions, banking regulatory bureaus at various levels,
China Union Pay and RCCs, the special bankcard services for farmers in Anhui province will
become a complete success!
Thank you.