The “Tsinghua-Citi China Consumer Finane and Investment Education Research" published the second annual report in Beijing. Throughout 2010, the research project collected samples from about 5,200 families in 24 cities around China, providing significant data for further analysis and research.

The research project, being part of the “Tsinghua-Citi Financial Education Hub” established in 2008 with a 1.2 million dollars donation from Citibank, aims to shed light on the assets and liabilities, income and spending, consumer financial behavior, as well as demands for financial products, services and financial education among Chinese urban families.

“The project is part of a commitment of Citi that will enhance the financial power and assets building on a global scale. Citi believes that consumers are able to design and improve their financial plans, which are highly crucial for their own economic strength as well as the overall financial stability,” said Pamela Flaherty, President and CEO of Citi Foundation.

“The project is a key method, and also a premise for a thorough understanding of Chinese consumer finance. It has significant implications for the government, the financial sector and the academia, ” said Professor LIAO Li, Executive Vice Director of the China Center for Financial Research, Associate Dean of SEM. According to him, this year’s research has optimized the sample structure and improved the questionnaire, therefore bringing in more reliable data.

The whole Consumer Finance and Investment Education Research will last three years, covering more than 10,000 Chinese families with different racial and social status in coastal and inland provinces. Researchers will also talk with governors and financial professionals to collect their ideas about the financial trends in China.