On 13 February 2014, the Technology and Management for Development Centre hosted the Distinguished Guest Lecture with Mr Yong Li, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Director General. Mr Yong Li's presentation focused on the “Importance of Industrialisation”. The Lecture was held at the Examination Schools, University of Oxford.

"LI Yong, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), has had an extensive career as a senior economic and financial policy-maker. As Vice-Minister of Finance of the People’s Republic of China and member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank for a decade, Mr. LI was involved in setting and harmonising fiscal, monetary and industrial policies, and in supporting sound economic growth in China. He pushed forward financial sector reform, and prompted major financial institutions to establish corporate governance, deal with toxic assets and strengthen risk management. Mr. LI gave great importance to fiscal and financial measures in favour of agricultural development and SMEs, the cornerstones for creating economic opportunities, reducing poverty and promoting gender equality. He played a key role in China’s cooperation with multilateral development organisations, such as the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank." Source: UNIDO