China Banking Association (CBA) issued the first report of its kind in the country on banking sector's social responsibility on Sunday.

The report, China Banking Sector Social Responsibility Report, introduces the banking sector's efforts in promoting public welfare and environmental protection.

The report said the banking sector donated 1.01 billion yuan (US$148.09) on public welfare covering education, culture, sports, health, science and environmental protection in 2008.

The banking sector has provided loans worth of 205.36 billion yuan (US$30.2 billion) by March end to earthquake-hit areas for relief and reconstruction, said China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) Saturday.

The banking sector has been giving loans to disadvantaged groups, for example students who have difficulties to continue with their college education, the report said.

Founded in 2000, CBA is a non-governmental organization with 81 full members and 37 associate members.

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2009)