2 0 0 6   N E W S   A R C H I V E December IDF-ISU Hold Credentialing Program SME Study Tour Program Thailand Highly-rated ADFIAP KfW to Pursue Cooperation Dialogue CDB Hosts EU ADFIAP Environmental Banking Seminar ADFIAP Invited to Experts Meeting of the Marrakech Process CEO Forum III in Kuala Lumpur Successful ADFIAP Board Meets in Kuala Lumpur ADFIAP Holds Environmental Banking Seminar in Malaysia November ADFIAP, DBJ, JERI Organize SME Study Tour Program ADFIAP Invited to Asian Eximbank Forum ADFIAP-AOTS Discuss Possible Joint Programs ADFIAP Holds Environmental Workshops in Sri Lanka and Thailand October ADFIAP Speaks at Two International Fora September SCC Sends 43-person Contingent to Manila EU-ADFIAP Project Featured in UNEP FI Newletter ADFIAP Chair Calls on ADB President ADFIAP Events Team Organizes Mongolian Microfinance Study Tour Membership Climbs to 70 SCC Sends 43-person Contingent to Manila EU-ADFIAP Project Featured in UNEP FI Newletter ADFIAP Chair Calls on ADB President August New Website Addresses for ADFIAP Projects ADFIAP, ADFIM to Organize CEO Forum III CIPE Provides ADFIAP 4th Grant ADFIAP Promotes Wharton-HiMD Executive Management Program July ADFIAP, CIPE, SCC to Hold Governance Seminar ADFIAP, CIPE, RDB Hold Governance Seminar BDC to serve as Independent Director New ADFIAP Website Up ADFIAP-CIPE Governance Website Launched World Federation of DFIs Meets in Singapore June Board Constitutes 3 Permanent Committees ADFIAP Restructures Membership Categories EU, ADFIAP, IDBI Hold Environment Conference in Mumbai ADFIAP Speaks at EuroAsia Forum Membership Rises to 67 Institutions May Secretary General Conferred an ICD Fellow Colombo Meetings a Smashing Success Members Craft “The Colombo Consensus” 7 Members Garner ADFIAP Awards Membership Rises to 66 Institutions Fonseka is CEO of the Year DBJ Gets Special Recognition Asaka Bank, Pak-Oman, Eximbank India, DFCC Bag Special Awards Dato’ Yusoff, Honorary Member ADFIAP, CIPE, ADFIP Organize Governance Seminar ADFIM to Host November Board Meeting Board Elects Fonseka Vice Chair Board Constitutes 3 Permanent Committees ADFIAP Amends Governance Provisions in Charter ADFIAP Attends EU Networking Event ADFIAP Unveils New Logo April Sri Lanka’s PM to Address Annual Meetings March Colombo Conference in High Gear ADFIAP in e-Finance Forum ADFIAP Supports SME Banking Conference ADFIAP & UK’s CDFA to Cooperate ADFIAP, EU, BIDV Organize EGS Conference in Vietnam ADFIAP, EU Partners Held Working Session IDF Organizes CORE Program January Colombo Meet Attracts Early Delegates ADFIAP Awards 2006: Call for Nomination The Annual Meetings Logo Described ADFIAP, CIPE, JNIDB Organize Governance Seminar Partners Meet to “Finetune” Research Studies SME Bank Thailand Organizes SME Conference Vietnam's DAF New Member ADFIAP, CIPE Organize COP Seminar in Manila 2 0 0 8   N E W S 2 0 0 7   N E W S   A R C H I V E 2 0 0 6   N E W S   A R C H I V E Back to top Association Update : 12/19/2006 : Active IDF, ISU Hold Credentialing Program ADFIAP’s Institute of Development Finance (IDF) in collaboration with the U.S.'s Illinois State University (ISU) held the Core Development Banking Program (CORE), Level 1 of the ADFIAP Career Credentialing Program (ACCP), on December 11-15, 2006 at the Asian Institute of Management Conference Center in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The 5-day, two-module, training course aims to enhance the capabilities and upgrade technical skills of DFI officers in the performance of their lending function. The first module is devoted to understanding the principles and practices of development banking. It also discusses the vital role of development financing institutions (DFIs) in the economic and social progress of a developing country as well as their responsibilities as financial institutions. The second module is designed to provide the participants with essential knowledge and skills in designing and appraising development projects, specifically on financial and economic evaluation. The module also thoroughly discusses the different aspects of an investment design and how the financial and economic aspects fit into the overall investment plan submitted by a borrower. In addition, the module explains the difference in appraisal techniques between purely private-oriented investments vis-a-vis development projects. As part of the program, the thirteen participants visited the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) where they learned the Bank’s project finance cycle as well as the Asian Development Bank headquarters. They also learned a bit of Philippine history during a tour arranged for them around the city of Manila. Dr. Alberto Peña, an ISU Associate Professor on International Studies & Programs, was the main resource person of the program. Back to top Association Update : 12/19/2006 : Active SME Study Tour Program Thailand Highly-rated ADFIAP and SME Bank Thailand’s study tour program on SME finance held in Bangkok and surrounding provinces from December 12 to 15, 2006 was a hit to the thirteen participants from 10 ADFIAP member-institutions in 6 countries. They were joined by four officers and staff of SME Bank Thailand’s international cooperation unit. The 3-day event afforded the participants to learn from SME Bank Thailand, the SME promotion board of the country, and from each other, both the financial and non-financial assistance to SMEs. They also learned from the SMEs themselves and had firsthand experience by visiting four Thai enterprises such as those engaged in ceramics, crystal, metalworking and armor-plating for security vehicles. The SME tour program is a series of on-the-job training programs under ADFIAP’s SME Finance Initiative (SME/FI) project to highlight assistance to SMEs by member-banks of ADFIAP and to learn from the process. The Thai program is fifth of such events which were earlier twice held in Japan and the Philippines. In addition to these countries, a Malaysian, Vietnamese and Indian program are being planned for 2007. For more information and interest, please email Ms. Sandy Lim at sandylim@adfiap.org. For more details on the materials used, factory visits made, and photos, please visit the SME/FI website at www.smefi.com. Back to top Association Update : 12/07/2006 : Active ADFIAP-KfW to Pursue Cooperation Dialogue ADFIAP and the German development bank, KfW, met in Kuala Lumpur during the 64th Board Meeting of the Association in the Malaysian capital city to discuss possible cooperation between the two institutions on capacity-building and business relationship in their common mission to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region. Possible training events that can be co-organized by ADFIAP and KfW are in the areas of innovation and technology through equity and venture capital investments; development of effective rating systems for SMEs; securitization of SME loans; export financing and FDI support for SMEs; encouraging investment through clean development mechanism (CDM) facilities; and exploring the potential for a regional SME fund. In terms of business cooperation, an exploratory talk to revive the idea of an ADFIAP Fund and how this potential regional SME financing facility to be set up by interested ADFIAP members will take shape, was also undertaken during the bilateral dialogue. It will be recalled that during the pre-Asian financial crisis period, the Association did plan to create a regional venture capital fund which was subsequently shelved due to the adverse business climate right after the crisis. It was also agreed that the two development organizations will pursue further dialogues to discuss these issues further. KfW was represented by Messrs. Uwe Ohls and Haje Schuette, First Vice-President for South & Central Asia and Division Chief, Financial and Private Sector, respectively. Back to top Association Update : 12/05/2006 : Active CDB Hosts EU-ADFIAP Environmental Banking Seminar The China Development Bank (CDB), an ADFIAP member, hosted a seminar-workshop on Environmental Governance Standards (EGS) for Financial Institutions in China under the EU-Asia Pro Eco Programme at the Presidential Plaza Hotel Beijing on December 5 and 6, 2006. About 30 participants from 13 Chinese financial institutions and government agencies attended the event. In his opening remarks for the forum, Mr. Zhao Jianping, Assistant Governor of CDB, emphasized the importance of financial institutions doing their part in protecting the environment. He mentioned the case for CDB which for many years has espoused sustainable finance that considers lending to projects which are both socially-responsible and environmentally-sound. Dr. Stefan Agne, First Secretary of the EU Commission's Delegation to China, echoed the role that banks and financial institutions play in the country's drive to the path of sustainable development that includes environment protection. In her speech, Dr. Feng Dongfang, Executive Director of the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA), cited that a financial policy relating to the environment has an influence on the government's economic policy. She also mentioned several local initiatives ongoing in this regard. Mr. Octavio B. Peralta, ADFIAP Secretary General, reported, among others, the focus of most Asian banks on cost-saving and risk mitigation benefits of environmental governance although they have yet to consider new business opportunities such as the development of "green financial products" in the area of renewable energy finance, carbon emission trading, cleaner technologies, etc. The EGS is an 18-month, Euro 346,446 grant project to support ADFIAP's "Greening of DFIs" project through an EU-Asia Environmental Partnership. The EGS aims to develop two environmental management tools and instruments at the bank level called the Internal Environmental Management System (IEMS) and the Environmental Risk Management (ERM), a set of concrete measures for integrating environmental issues in credit assessment procedures to bank clients. The EU project partners include Germany's UNEP/Wuppertal Institute Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP) and the U.K.'s University of St. Andrews/Sustainable Development Research Center. For more information on the EGS project, please visit http://www.egs-asia.com Back to top Association Update : 12/05/2006 : Active ADFIAP Invited to Experts Meeting of the Marrakech Process As part of its outreach to and partnership with sustainable development initiatives and organizations worldwide, ADFIAP, represented by its Secretary General, Mr. Octavio B. Peralta, was invited to make a presentation during the experts meeting of the Marrakech process held at the historic old town hall in Wuppertal, Germany last November 22-23, 2006. About 120 delegates from development organizations all over the world, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), attended the event which was hosted by the UNEP/Wuppertal Collaborating Center for Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP). The theme of the conference, "Creating Solutions for Sustainable Consumption and Production", is a key component of the Marrakech process which is an offshoot of the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002. The so-called Marrakech process deals with the development of a 10-year framework of programs towards achieving sustainable consumption and production patterns in the world. The forum was also an occasion for the current seven task forces of the "process" to meet and discuss the implementation phase of the initiative as well as to continue cooperation dialogues with development agencies, including financial institutions globally. As a representative of development finance institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, Mr. Peralta highlighted the sustainable development mandate of the Association by providing a few relevant case studies on what projects ADFIAP members have financed, such as the Development Bank of the Philippines? DBP Forest aimed at improving national forest cover; the Development Bank of Japan's carbon dioxide reduction funding facility; TMB Bank Thailand's "financial plus advisory services" program; the Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency's 25-MW Wind Power Generation Project, a pioneering commercial wind farm; and Uzbekistan's Asaka Bank financing the water supply system of the desert region in their country. More details on the event and the Marrakech process can be found at CSCP's website at www.scp-centre.org Back to top Association Update : 12/05/2006 : Active CEO Forum III in Kuala Lumpur Successful The Third Annual International CEO Forum of DFIs was successfully held at the Parkroyal Hotel, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 27 and 28, 2006 with the theme “SME Banking: Structures, Dynamics and Challenges”. The event was hosted by the Association of Development Finance Institutions of Malaysia (ADFIM) and co-organized with ADFIAP. About 100 delegates from member-banks including local delegates, international partners and program sponsors attended the event. This year’s theme focused on different country experiences of SME Banks from various regions – ASEAN, Pacific Islands, East and North Asia, South Asia, Central and Southwest Asia, and Europe/North America. Y.B. Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Minister of Finance II of the Government of Malaysia, delivered the inaugural address. More information on the forum will be soon available in the ADFIAP website at www.adfiap.org. Back to top Association Update : 12/05/2006 : Active ADFIAP Board Meets in Kuala Lumpur The ADFIAP Board had its second meeting for 2006 in Kuala Lumpur as part of its governance process. The 64th Board Meeting was held on November 29, 2006 after the successful CEO Forum III (see separate story). Prior to the meeting proper, KfW Development Bank represented by Messrs. Uwe Ohls and Haje Shuette, presented possible cooperation areas between the German financial institution and ADFIAP. The meeting was also an occasion for the Board’s three permanent working committees (PWGs) to meet and propose new initiatives and policy directions for the Association. More details on the Board meeting will be posted in the ADFIAP website soon. Back to top Association Update : 12/05/2006 : Active ADFIAP Holds Environmental Banking Seminar in Malaysia ADFIAP, in cooperation with the Association of DFIs in Malaysia (ADFIM) and in partnership with the UNEP/Wuppertal Institute Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP) and the University of St. Andrews' Sustainable Development Research Center, and with funding support from the European Commission through its EU-Asia Pro-Eco Programme, held a Seminar-Workshop on Environmental Governance Standards (EGS) for Financial Institutions on November 30 and December 1, 2006. This training event is one of four slated national workshops under the project. Earlier, two national workshops were held in Colombo, Sri Lanka and Bangkok, Thailand. The fourth one will be held in Beijing, China on December 5 to 6, 2006. The EGS is an 18-month, 346, 446 Euro-grant project to support ADFIAP’s “Greening of DFIs” Project through an EU-Asia Environmental Partnership. The EGS aims to develop an Environmental Performance Monitoring Program (EPM) that comprises specialized management tools and instruments at the institutional level to benchmark their internal environmental management policies and practices against-best industry standards; and the Environmental Rating Standards for Loan Appraisal and Project Finance (ERS), a set of concrete measures for integrating environmental issues in established risk assessment procedures in lending to borrower-clients. For more information on ADFIAP’s EGS project, please visit http://www.egs-asia.com . Back to top Association Update : 11/16/2006 : Active ADFIAP, DBJ, JERI Organize SME Study Tour Program ADFIAP, in cooperation with the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) and the Japan Economic Research Institute (JERI), conducted a successful study tour program on SME and development finance for a delegation of eight senior officers from ADFIAP members in Bhutan, Fiji, Malaysia, Palau, Turkey and Vietnam from November 8-10, 2006 in Tokyo, Japan. The program exposed the participants to Japanese best practices by presenting new approaches and strategies on SME financing; deepened the participants’ knowledge and understanding of SME management through visits to Japanese SME factories; and provided a platform for the participants to exchange views and ideas on SME development and the important roles that DFIs play in the promotion of SME development in their respective countries. DBJ and JERI presented their respective key operational areas and cooperation activities while the National Life finance Corporation (NLFC), a government-owned, policy-based finance institution, presented its role and approach in supporting Japanese SMEs. Mr. Hisao Ochi, DBJ Senior Executive Director, officially opened the program while ADFIAP Secretary General, Mr. Octavio B. Peralta, made a welcome and introductory remarks. Messrs. Zenya Yamazaki and Eishi Yasunaga, Director Generals of DBJ's Department of International Affairs and JERI's International Bureau, respectively, the main representatives of their institutions to the program, also attended the brief opening ceremony. The study tour is this year’s third event organized by the ADFIAP Events team, the first was for the Sabah Credit Corporation’s staff exposure and study tour program in Manila in September and the second, the microfinance study tour program also in Manila for the Micro Development Finance Fund of Mongolia in October. ADFIAP Events is the Association’s business unit that specializes in organizing and managing specific and demand-driven activities aside from the formal training and credentialing courses offered by the its Institute of Development Finance (IDF). These activities include conferences, symposia, exhibits & expos, study tours, on-the-job programs, etc. ADFIAP members as well as non-members/potential members who wish to be assisted by the ADFIAP Events team may please contact Ms. Sandy Lim, Membership Executive, at sandylim@adfiap.org. Back to top Association Update : 11/16/2006 : Active ADFIAP Invited to Asian Eximbank Forum Upon invitation of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), this year's Forum host, ADFIAP represented by its Secretary General, Mr. Octavio B. Peralta, attended both as an observer and a speaker at the 12th Annual Meeting of the Asia Eximbanks Forum in Tokyo from November 8-10, 2006. Mr. Peralta informed the Forum of ADFIAP's mission, programs and advocacies as well as the investment patterns of its development-bank members. The general theme of the Forum was "Partnership in an Era of Globalization and Regional Cooperation" and discussed issues like partnerships in promoting trade and investments with third countries, consolidation of regional energy security (including energy conservation and improvement of energy efficiency), promotion of SMEs supporting industries, and outreach and collaboration in capacity-building. The event was also an occasion for the Forum members to sign a document called the "Tokyo Consensus" spelling out cooperation activities among the Asian Eximbank members, particularly on the proposal to launch a Pan Asian Exim Bond among participating Eximbanks in Asia. The nine Forum members include eximbanks in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Korea and Thailand. 47 delegates from as many countries attended the Forum. Back to top Association Update : 11/16/2006 : Active ADFIAP-AOTS Discuss Possible Joint Programs While in Tokyo attending the 12th Annual Meeting of the Asian Eximbanks on November 8-11, 2006, ADFIAP Secretary General, Mr. Octavio B. Peralta, took the opportunity to meet with the Association of Technical Scholarship (AOTS) officials led by Mr. Daisuke Maki, General Manager of its Training Division and his colleagues, Mr. Yasumi Suzuki and Ms. Chieko Yamaguchi, and discussed potential joint management programs that would benefit ADFIAP members. Points of interest are in the area of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and environmental management. The ADFIAP-AOTS relationship started in the early nineties and have since co-organized various training programs for ADFIAP members such as the “Top Management Seminar on Japanese Business; the “Middle Management Seminar" and the “Program on SME Financing for Asia and the Pacific”. AOTS (http://www.aots.or.jp) is a non-profit organization established in 1959 with the support of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Its main purpose is to promote technical cooperation for the industrialization and development of developing countries and enhance mutual understanding and friendly relationships between those countries and Japan. Todate, AOTS has trained more than 100,000 persons in Japan from over 160 countries in different regions. In addition, it has organized various training programs outside Japan involving over 130,000 participants from developing countries. The activities of AOTS are financed by Japanese government's subsidy, company contributions, and other sources. Back to top Association Update : 11/16/2006 : Active ADFIAP Holds Environmental Workshops in Sri Lanka and Thailand ADFIAP, in cooperation with its Sri Lankan and Thai members, DFCC Bank and TMB Bank, respectively, and in partnership with the UNEP/Wuppertal Institute Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP) and the University of Leeds' Sustainability Research Institute, and with funding support from the European Union Asia Pro-Eco Programme, held the Seminar-Workshop on Environmental Governance Standards (EGS) for Financial Institutions on October 2-7, 2006 and October 9-11, 2006 in Colombo and Bangkok, respectively. These training events were the first two of four slated national workshops under the project. The other two national workshops will be held in Kuala Lumpur and Beijing, on November 30 to December 1 and December 5 to 6, 2006, respectively. The EGS is an 18-month, 346, 446 Euro-grant project to support ADFIAP’s “Greening of DFIs” Project through an EU-Asia Environmental Partnership. The EGS aims to develop an Environmental Performance Monitoring Program (EPM) that comprises specialized management tools and instruments at the institutional level to benchmark their internal environmental management policies and practices against-best industry standards; and the Environmental Rating Standards for Loan Appraisal and Project Finance (ERS), a set of concrete measures for integrating environmental issues in established risk assessment procedures in lending to borrower-clients. For more information on ADFIAP’s EGS project, please visit http://www.egs-asia.com Back to top Association Update : 10/30/2006 : Active ADFIAP Speaks at Two International Fora Upon the invitation and support of its long-standing partners, the Geneva-based International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO (ITC) and the Bonn-based InWEnt (Capacity Building International), ADFIAP, represented by its Secretary General, Mr. Octavio B. Peralta, spoke at two different conferences, both held in Berlin, about its member-banks' role and contribution to economic development in their respective countries. ITC's Executive Forum Global Debate provides a venue for senior public sector decision-makers and business leaders to debate on best practices in national export strategy design and management. The annual debate endeavors to generate new ideas and solutions and to strengthen the public-private sector partnership in the strategy management process. This year's event, held in Berlin from September 27-30, 2006, with the theme "Bringing the Poor into the Export Process: Linkages and Strategic Considerations", was co-hosted by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany. Around 160 participants from 35 countries and 15 United Nations and international organizations, including ministers and high officials, attended the forum. Mr. T.C. Venkat Subramanian, Managing Director & CEO of ADFIAP-member, EximBank India, also presented a paper during the event. InWEnt's International Policy Workshop is convened by the Development Policy Forum of InWEnt in cooperation with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The conference provides an informal platform for decision-makers to have the chance to discuss future-oriented issues without the pressure of immediate decision-making and free from the constraints of protocol. The event was held on October 18-19, 2006 with the theme, "How can Financial Crises be Prevented?" and was aimed at promoting a controversial reform debate on financial market stability, given that preventing financial crises is a basic pre-requisite for sustainable development. Fifty three (53) speakers and participants from politics, industry, academia, international organisations as well as representatives of civil society participated in the conference. For more details, ITC's website is at www.intracen.org and InWEnt's is at www.inwent.org Back to top Association Update : 9/25/2006 : Active WFDFI Board to Revitalize the Federation The Board of Governors of the World Federation of Development Financing Institutions (WFDFI) www.wfdfi.org.pe in its meeting in Singapore last September 18, 2006, has agreed to relaunch the Federation as a global forum, knowledge resource, and advocate of the work, achievements and aspirations of development banks worldwide. The present WFDFI Secretariat which is the Peru-based regional association, ALIDE www.alide.org.pe, will draw up a plan of activities for 2007 and onward, aimed at making the Federation in synch with current issues and trends in development banking for the benefit of all its members. The meeting was attended by ADFIAP, represented by its Chairman, Ambassador Jesus P. Tambunting and its Secretary General, Mr. Octavio B. Peralta; ALIDE by its Secretary General, Dr. Rommel Acevedo and its Adviser, Mr. Ricardo Palma; and the Istanbul-based ADFIMI www.adfimi.org by its Secretary General, Mr. Nuri Birtek. The meeting was held at the offices of the Singapore-based ASEAN Bankers Association, through the kind accommodation of its Secretary General, Mr. Tay Kah Chye. Back to top Association Update : 9/25/2006 : Active ADFIAP, EDFI Explore Business Cooperation ADFIAP and the Brussels-based, 15-member European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) www.edfi.be met in Singapore on September 17, 2006 to explore business cooperation between the two regional associations. ADFIAP and EDFI were both represented by their Chairmen and Secretaries General, namely, Ambassador Jesus P. Tambunting and Mr. Octavio B. Peralta and Dr. Winfried Polte and Mr. Jan Rixen, respectively. Among the areas discussed was EDFI’s financing facility, the European Financing Partners (EFP). The EFP funds private sector projects in the ACP States (Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific), proposed by any of the 13 EDFI shareholders. EFP finances up to 75% of such a proposal up to a maximum of €25 million, while the remaining 25% is financed by the EDFI member presenting the proposal. Under the 2nd tranche of funding agreed in Oslo in May 2006, another €175 million is made available through EFP. This is in addition to the €140 million made available under the 1st tranche. ADFIAP aims to learn more about the EFP and how this member business cooperation ‘model’ can be replicated, if possible, by the Association and its member-banks. Back to top Association Update : 9/25/2006 : Active ADFIAP Arranges Meeting of DBK and EDFI Upon the request of its member, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK), the ADFIAP Secretariat organized the meeting of the Bank with the Brussels-based European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) www.edfi.be represented by its Secretary General, Mr. Jan Rixen. Mr. Askar Sembin, DBK President, and Ms. Anar Omarova, DBK Director, presented in brief Kazakhstan’s economic diversification plan and the role of DBK in it. Mr. Sembin also discussed the Bank’s desire to relate to Europe for trade and investment opportunities. For his part, Mr. Rixen opened the possibility of EDFI’s member-banks to take a look at business opportunities in Kazakhstan. ADFIAP members that wish to avail of similar business networking meetings may contact the Secretariat at inquiries@adfiap.org Back to top Association Update : 9/21/2006 : Active ADFIAP Events Team Organizes Mongolian Microfinance Study Tour The business unit of the Association branded as ADFIAP Events has organized a microfinance study tour program in the Philippines for a seven-person delegation of the Micro Finance Development Fund of Mongolia (MDF). The four-day study program consists of various visits of the high-level delegation to microfinance institutions, banks and associations in Manila and its environs. Among the institutions to be visited are the Asian Development Bank, the Central Bank of the Philippines, the Development Bank of the Philippines, Plantersbank, TSPI Development Corporation, Rural Bank Association of the Philippines, Microfinance Council of the Philippines, People’s Credit and Finance Corporation, and Ahon sa Hirap, Inc. The MDF was formed in December 2002 and commenced its lending operations in March 2003. It was created and funded by the World Bank and jointly implemented by the Government of Mongolia and the World Bank. It is a wholesale lending institution focusing on micro-finance institutions (MFIs), with commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions as conduits, and with the aim of expanding and diversifying livelihood source and rural incomes, in general. As a result of this visit, MDF has applied for membership in ADFIAP. For more details on the program and for interest in the ADFIAP Events programs, please contact Ms. Sandy Lim, Senior Executive, Membership at sandylim@adfiap.org Back to top Association Update : 9/21/2006 : Active Membership Climbs to 70 With the entry of another Mongolian member, the Micro-Finance Development Fund (MDF), ADFIAP's membership count is now 70 in 35 countries, a significant increase of 18 new members from 52 two years ago. MDF's entry has even more diversified the already diverse membership composition of the Association and signals that institutions providing microfinance are a welcome addition to ADFIAP. The MDF was formed in December 2002 and commenced its lending operations in March 2003. It was created and funded by the World Bank and jointly implemented by the Government of Mongolia and the World Bank. It is a wholesale lending institution focusing on micro-finance institutions (MFIs), with commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions as conduits, and with the aim of expanding and diversifying livelihood source and rural incomes, in general. Back to top Association Update : 9/18/2006 : Active SCC Sends 43-person Contingent to Manila The Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC), the Kota Kinabalu-based, Malaysian member of ADFIAP, has availed of the Association's Study Tour / Country Host Programme for the second year in a row by sending a 43-person contingent composed of its officers and staff for a study and cultural tour in Manila and its environs from September 3-6, 2006. The 4-day visit is part of SCC's staff exposure and study tour/incentive program. The ADFIAP Secretariat in Manila arranged a "door-to-door" logistics support for the program and facilitated the SCC delegation's visits to the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) where they were briefed on the bank's thrusts and activities, particularly on Environmental Funding Facility and the DBP Forest Program; Financing Programs for Infrastructure Development, Government Funding and Poverty Alleviation; and DBP's financing initiatives for SMEs. The following day, a visit to Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc., a conduit of microfinance funds of DBP located in Bai, Laguna was included as part of the learning activity, The group also visited interesting and historical places in Manila and Tagaytay. The head of delegation, SCC's Deputy General Manager for Finance and Administration, Mr. Abdullah Hj. Sibil, expressed their appreciation to the ADFIAP Secretariat staff for their assistance. Through the 4-day visit in Manila, the SCC delegates have gained a better understanding and insight on the various programs that the DBP, as the premier government financial institution, has launched and implemented as part of its commitment to sustainable development, in general. For inquiries about the ADFIAP Country Host Programme, please contact Ms. Sandy Lim, Sr. Executive for Membership, at sandylim@adfiap.org or visit the ADFIAP website at www.adfiap.org Back to top Association Update : 9/18/2006 : Active EU-ADFIAP Project Featured in UNEP FI Newletter ADFIAP's Environmental Governance Standards (EGS) project, funded by the European Commission under its Asia Pro Eco Programme, was recently featured in the Australasian UNEP Finance Initiative newsletter, highlighting the greening of development banks in Asia. Approved in July 2005, the 18-month, Euro 346,446 grant project entails the development and implementation of capacity-building activities and resources on internal environmental management system (IEMS) and environmental rating standard for loan appraisal and project finance (ERS). The end result of the IEMS is a reference and guidebook to show how this can be done within the organization benchmarked against the best-of-industry practices of European financial institutions. The IEMS indicators will cover nine different aspects, namely, materials, energy, water, solid waste, transport, emissions to air, facility management, green procurement and supply chain management and training. The ERS aims to develop a set of guidelines and tools that will help lending officers effectively assess environmental risks involved in the granting of credit to project proposals submitted by clients. A 'decision tree' for the environmental loan assessment process will be structured along a 5-step process that will consider both economic and environmental relevance, the gaps and overlaps involved as well as other issues and questions. The ERS will also come out with a resource and 'how-to' manual using best practices available in Europe. Main target beneficiaries of the project are the 70 member-institutions of ADFIAP in 35 countries across Asia and the Pacific. Other non-member financial institutions, including commercial banks, have also been invited to attend the scheduled seminars and workshops and to receive knowledge resources developed under the project. Back to top Association Update : 9/13/2006 : Active ADFIAP Chair Calls on ADB President ADFIAP Chairman, Ambassador Jesus P. Tambunting, who is also Chair & CEO of PlantersBank, made a call recently to ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda to re-introduce ADFIAP and establish a closer working relationship with the Manila-based regional development bank. It will be recalled that the ADB was instrumental in the creation of the Association 30 years ago. It was during the ADB's Sixth Regional Symposium for Development Finance Institutions in Asia-Pacific in October 1976 in Manila that provided the forum for ADFIAP's founding. Amb. Tambunting and President Kuroda also discussed potential regional cooperation initiatives to promote a private sector perspective and policy-orientation for member-DFIs of ADFIAP. This private sector outlook proposition stemmed from the ADB's outstanding growth achieved by its Private Sector Operations Department headed by Mr. Robert Bestani and for this reason, ADFIAP believes that the PSOD would be the ideal link to the Association. Earlier on, ADFIAP and ADB worked closely on various programs such as the "Executive Development Program for Pacific DFIs which was supported by the EDI/World Bank (1981-1984); Regional Symposium on Financial Control, Accounting, and Auditing Practices of DFIs, Manila 1987; Symposium on Legal Issues on Debt Recovery, Credit and Security, Manila 1993; and Symposium on Technology Ventures in Small and Medium Scales Industries, Seoul 1994. ADB has also been represented and spoke at many ADFIAP Annual Meetings and has always kept its doors open to visiting ADFIAP member-banks in Manila that wish to know more about the working programmes of the Bank. Ambassador Jesus Tambunting was accompanied by Mr. Octavio Peralta, ADFIAP Secretary General; and Ms. Sandy Lim, ADFIAP Senior Executive for membership. Back to top Association Update : 8/25/2006 : Active New Website Addresses for ADFIAP Projects Two key ADFIAP projects - The "DFIs for Corporate Governance" and the "SME Finance Initiative (SME FI)" - which were earlier confined within the ADFIAP website at http://www.adfiap.org, have been separately registered with their own new domain names. The ADFIAP-CIPE governance project's new website is now at http://www.governance-asia.com. The site aims to highlight the activities, accomplishments and best practices gained by ADFIAP in corporate governance. The site also features publications such as the ADFIAP Corporate Governance Rating System (ACGRS) and its newsletter, Governance. It also features a photo gallery that includes photos taken during the training events under the project which were held in different venues in the Asia-Pacific region. The SME FI's new website, http://www.smefi.com, on the other hand, highlights the activities and programs of the project and its partner-organizations that include ADFIAP, the International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO (ITC) and the Association of DFIs in Malaysia (ADFIM) such as the CEO Forum which is on its third year running. The site is envisioned to be the "Knowledge Net on SME Finance that will contain relevant reference materials, training programs and experts on SME financing and a network of international SME finance providers. Back to top Association Update : 8/23/2006 : Active ADFIAP, ADFIM to Organize CEO Forum III ADFIAP and the Association of Development Finance Institutions in Malaysia (ADFIM) are organizing the International CEO Forum III, with the theme "SME Banking: Structures, Dynamics and Challenges", to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 27-28, 2006. The CEO Forum, which is part of ADFIAP and ADFIM's SME Finance Initiative (SME/FI) together with the International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO (ITC), aims to take stock of the country experiences of SME banks from the region as well as learn from their counterparts in other parts of the world. As such, the sessions are structured, as follows: Session I - Country Experiences in ASEAN and the Pacific Islands; Session II - Country Experiences in North Asia; Session III - Country Experiences in South Asia; Session 4 - Country Experiences in Central & Southwest Asia and Session 5- Country Experiences in Europe and North America. This is the third year in a row that ADFIAP and ADFIM will hold the event in Kuala Lumpur. The first and second CEO Forums were successfully conducted on August 10-12, 2004 and September 12-13, 2005, respectively. The event will be inaugurated by Malaysia's Minister of Finance II,Y. B. Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, who will be sharing Malaysia's experience in financing the country's SME development and growth. For inquiries about the forum, please email Ms. Sandy Lim, ADFIAP Senior Executive, at sandylim@adfiap.org or visit the ADFIAP website at www.adfiap.org Back to top Association Update : 8/18/2006 : Active CIPE Provides ADFIAP 4th Grant ADFIAP's "DFIs for Corporate Governance" Project gets another boost from a fourth grant being provided by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). The project is the Association's response to the growing need of its member-banks in the Asia-Pacific region for the implementation of good corporate governance policies and practices in their respective institutions by learning from experiences of co-members as well as from those in other parts of the world. The phased capacity-building project started in October 2002 with an awareness campaign on corporate governance and the institutionalization of governance codes and policy statements in member-banks. Phase II which begun in May 2004 entailed the development of a corporate governance rating system or 'scorecard' for development banks and other financial institutions, including commercial banks. In December 2005, Phase III of the project started which promoted the expansion of the role of bank compliance officers into corporate governance focal persons as well in their respective institutions. Phase IV of the project, which is the recipient of the latest grant, aims to further strengthen governance practices in member-banks by linking these practices to the sustainable development mission of DFIs. ADFIAP believes that sustainable development cannot be attained without good corporate governance. The activities of this project which is expected to begin end of 2006 include a research study aimed to develop a corporate governance-sustainable development framework, one regional and four national training events, and a printed training pack for use of its members and other participating financial institutions CIPE http://www.cipe.org is a non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy. CIPE has supported more than 920 local initiatives in 105 developing countries, involving the private sector in policy advocacy and institutional reform, improving governance, and building understanding of market-based democratic systems. CIPE programs are also supported through the United States Agency for International Development. Back to top Association Update : 8/14/2006 : Active ADFIAP Promotes Wharton-HiMD Executive Management Program On request by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Hitachi Institute of Management Development, ADFIAP has promoted the Wharton-HiMD Executive Management Program to be held on October 29 - November 10, 2006 in Tokyo, Japan. This is a two-week management development program designed for high potential young executives, offered by Wharton School, the world's first business school which has produced great business leaders worldwide, and the Hitachi Institute of Management Development, Japan's first corporate executive development organization. This program is the second offering after a successful first run last year where 30 senior-level executives from 10 countries participated. The key feature of the program is the combination of business discipline fundamentals and the integration of knowledge and skills via a computer-based management simulation and action planning exercise. The program aims to build a worldwide network of future leaders. The program is open to chief executives, directors and senior managers from progressive companies as well as financial institutions in Asia with more than 10 years business experience and two years in a managerial position. A team of expert faculty both from Wharton and Hitachi will impart knowledge and skills to the qualified participants. ADFIAP members will receive tuition discount. For more details, please contact Ms. Sandra Honrado, ADFIAP Senior Executive at shonrado@adfiap.org Back to top Association Update : 7/24/2006 : Active ADFIAP, CIPE, SCC to Hold Governance Seminar ADFIAP in collaboration with the Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC) and with funding support from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) held a "Seminar-Workshop on Governance & Risk Management Compliance" on July 25-26, 2006 the Hyatt Regency in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. This national event is an offshoot of the "Compliance Officership Program" (COP) held on December 12-16, 2005 in Manila, Philippines, which aims to develop a corps of Compliance Officers (COs) in member-banks to institute good governance and anti-corruption initiatives as well as set up Compliance Unit (CUs) in their respective institutions. The COP is the third phase of the capacity-building program under the CIPE-funded Corporate Governance Project of ADFIAP. For more information on the ACGRS, please visit the Association's website at http://www.adfiap.org/governance The seminar was attended by more 50 participants from various backgrounds like banks and other financial institutions, statutory bodies, government agencies and legal authorities of this Eastern part of Malaysia. The occasion was graced by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Datuk Haji Yusof Kassim, together with Mr. Vincent Y. K. Pung, General Manager of Sabah Credit Corporation. The main resource person for the seminar was Dr. Cesar Saldaña, Founding Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). Back to top Association Update : 7/24/2006 : Active ADFIAP, CIPE, RDB Hold Governance Seminar ADFIAP in collaboration with the Rural Development Bank of Cambodia (RDB) and with funding support from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) held the “Governance & Risk Management Compliance Program for Banks” on July 3-4, 2006 at the Aspara Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This national event is an offshoot of the “Compliance Officership Program" (COP) held on December 12-16, 2005 in Manila, Philippines, which aims to develop a corps of Compliance Officers (COs) in member-banks to institute good governance and anti-corruption initiatives as well as set up Compliance Unit (CUs) in their respective institutions. The COP is the third phase of the capacity-building program under the CIPE-funded Corporate Governance Project of ADFIAP. The program was also an occasion for the participants to use ADFIAP's Corporate Governance Rating System (ACGRS), which is a voluntary 'scorecard' developed under the project, to determine how a financial institution compares with international corporate governance guidelines and best practices. For more information on the ACGRS, please visit the Association's website at http://www.adfiap.org. The seminar, which was attended by 33 participants from various banks and financial institutions, including microfinance institutions, in Cambodia, was graced by the Governor of Siem Reap Province, H.E. Sou Phirinn, who inaugurated the event together with H.E Son Koun Thor, Chairman and CEO of RDB and Adviser to the Prime Minister. The main resource person for the seminar was Dr. Cesar Saldaña, Founding Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). Mr. Octavio B. Peralta, ADFIAP Secretary General made an opening remarks and brief the participants on the Association's corporate governance project. Back to top Association Update : 7/24/2006 : Active BDC to serve as Independent Director As approved by the Board and ratified by the General Assembly last May in Colombo, Sri Lanka, ADFIAP's governance practice has been further enhanced with the inclusion of Independent Directors in the Board. Upon invitation of ADFIAP and the willingness of the Montreal-based Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to serve as one of three Independent Directors in the Board, ADFIAP welcomes BDC’s experience, expertise and contacts, specifically in the areas of corporate governance, risk management and SMEs. BDC began as a Special Member of ADFIAP in 1986 and has been active in the Association for the past years, in particular, contributing its Executive Vice President, Ms. Edmee Metivier, as a speaker in ADFIAP conferences. BDC will be represented in the ADFIAP Board by its President & CEO, Mr. Jean-René Halde, who has more than 30 years of management experience in the private sector. Since 1979, he has held CEO positions in leading companies, including Métro-Richelieu Inc., Culinar Inc. and Livingston Group Inc. BDC http://www.bdc.ca is a financial institution wholly owned by the government of Canada and plays a leadership role in delivering financial, investment and consulting services to Canadian small businesses, with a particular focus on the technology and export sectors of the economy. Back to top Association Update : 7/24/2006 : Active New ADFIAP Website Up ADFIAP has recently uploaded its new website at http://www.adfiap.org containing the projects, services and activities of the Association as well as a rich resource of information on development banking. It is still a work in progress though and continuing enhancements will be done to make it more interactive with potentially an e-commerce capability in the near future. The new ADFIAP website has been designed to be simple and navigatable, with clickable icons of its sustainable development projects such as the EU-supported environmental governance standards (EGS), the SME Finance Initiative and the CIPE-funded corporate governance program. It also highlights the main services of the Association like the training events of the Institute of Development Finance (IDF), the ADFIAP Awards Programme, the Annual Conference and the Country Host Programme. The website also features ADFIAP's international program sponsors like the EU and CIPE as well as international partners UNEP/FI, InWEnt, AOTS, CDFA, CSCP, all with links to their websites. For the Board, a separate facility with username and password provides easy access to files, minutes and other relevant matters on Board governance. Potential members can also directly access application forms and a forwarding email address. Other features will be added soon for the convenience of members and the public at large. Back to top Association Update : 7/24/2006 : Active ADFIAP-CIPE Governance Website Launched To highlight the activities, accomplishments and best practices gained by ADFIAP in corporate governance, a separate website http://www.adfiap.org/governance was recently launched for its CIPE-supported project on “DFIs for Corporate Governance”. The site also features publications such as the ADFIAP Corporate Governance Rating System and the newsletter, Governance. The project started in February 2003 as a collective and responsive effort to advance sustainable development by bringing together the national development banks and promoting mechanisms of good corporate governance in the region. This project is also in response to the need of DFIs to adopt and institutionalize good corporate governance policies and practices in their organizations not only because it is a right thing to do, but because it is essential to business success. For more details, please visit http://www.adfiap.org/governance/. Back to top Association Update : 7/24/2006 : Active World Federation of DFIs Meets in Singapore The Board of Governors of the World Federation of Development Financing Institutions (WFDFI) will convene in Singapore on September 18, 2006 to discuss matters on the operations of the organization and its future directions. The meeting, to be hosted by the Singapore-based ASEAN Bankers Association, will be held in conjunction with the IMF/World Bank Meetings to be held in Singapore. Members of the WFDFI includes ADFIAP, the Latin American Association of Development Financing Institutions (ALIDE) based in Lima, Peru, the African Association of Development Financing Institutions (AADFI), and the Istanbul-based Association of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in the Member Countries of the Islamic Development Bank (ADFIMI). The World Federation was founded in Zurich in June 1979 at a UNIDO development bank conference where AADFI, ADFIAP and ALIDE, jointly with KfW of Germany signed an agreement to establish the WFDFI. By the end of 1979, the WFDFI opened its Secretariat at the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) in Madrid. Todate, the Secretariat rotates among member-organizations every two years. ALIDE currently serves as the WFDFI Secretariat. The WFDFI is at http://www.wfdfi.org.pe/ Back to top Association Update : 6/29/2006 : Active Board Constitutes 3 Permanent Committees The ADFIAP Board, in its 63rd Meeting in Colombo, has constituted 3 permanent working committees to enhance governance and allow for active participation of its members. The three committees will each be headed by the three present Vice Chairmen. The permanent working committees and their terms of reference are as follows: I. Training Committee. The objective of the committee is to guide the ADFIAP Secretariat in formulating training programs for the Association and defining the qualification standards for professional accreditation of development bankers under the Institute of Development Finance's (IDF) credentialing program. The duties and responsibilities of the Committee are to: (i) Approve training and professional development program and strategies of the Association and guide the operations of the IDF; (ii) Guide the Secretariat in defining the qualifications and standards for professional accreditation for the conferment of the IDF credentials; (iii) Guide the Secretariat in formulating the course content of modules of the training programs to be conducted; (iv) Approve the conferment of professional credentials for Levels 1(Associate in Development Banking) & 2 (Affiliate in Development Bank Management) and recommend the conferment of the credential for level 3 (Fellow in Development Banking) to the BOD for approval; (v) Approve the applications for franchise of the credentialing program by member-banks, other financial institutions, learning institutes, and other training service providers; (vi) Coordinate the training programs between ADFIAP with multilateral financial institutions, international partners and other organizations; and, (vii)Guide the Secretariat in raising revenue to support activities of the Association, and review and recommend the budget of the IDF for BOD approval. II. Finance Committee. The objective of the committee is to raise funds for the Association and help improve its financial condition. The duties and responsibilities of the Committee are to: (i) Assist the Secretariat in expanding the Association's sources of funds; (ii) Find ways and means to enhance the budgeting and financial policies of the Association; (iii) Improve the financial standing of the Association; and, (iv) Review the Association's budget for the year. III. Business Cooperation Committee. The main objective of the committee is to explore and create business opportunities and ventures among member-banks. The duties and responsibilities of the committee are to: (i) Generate ideas for business cooperation among members; (ii) Organize, through the Secretariat, business networking events; (iii) Propose business ventures and seek partners and investors, including non-members; and (iv)Help manage the business ventures that will be consummated Back to top Association Update : 6/29/2006 : Active ADFIAP Restructures Membership Categories To support one of the pillars of the 5-year ADFIAP Strategic Plan, i.e., membership development, and upon the Board's recommendation and the General Assembly's confirmation, during their separate meetings in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 8-10, 2006, the following amendments to the existing provisions of Article 5 (on Membership) of the ADFIAP Constitution have been ratified: 5.1 Membership shall be open to institutions engaged in the financing of development in the industrial, service, or other productive sectors of the economy. 5.2 The Association shall have the following types of membership: (a) Ordinary (i) Institutions in Asia and the Pacific engaged in the financing of development as a significant activity. (b) Special (i) Regional or sub-regional institutions in Asia and the pacific; (ii) International organizations with which the Association may decide to establish and maintain a relationship under Article 4. (iii) Other institutions within or outside the region may be granted special membership with observer status by the ADFIAP Board of Directors on a case-to-case basis. As such, entrance fees and annual dues may be waived for a limited time. (iv) Other institutions actively participating in the development of Asia and the Pacific (c) Sponsor (i) Corporates and other commercial institutions or individuals that support and endorse the purposes and programs of ADFIAP and are willing to pay membership dues or contribution to Assist the Association financially. (c) Associate (i) Institutions with provincial or state-wide operations on the recommendation of a member-institution in that country. (ii) Other financial institutions, including commercial banks with units or departments that cater to development-oriented activities such as but not limited to, small & medium enterprise banking, environmental lending, trade finance, microfinance, housing finance, etc. (d) Honorary (i) Individuals who have performed outstanding services in the field of development banking, or who have been closely connected with the profession of development banking, or have served ADFIAP for many years, may be conferred with Honorary Membership by the General Assembly. Back to top Association Update : 6/29/2006 : Active EU, ADFIAP, IDBI Hold Environment Conference in Mumbai ADFIAP, in cooperation with its Indian member, IDBI, Ltd., and the EU, under its Asia Pro-Eco Program, held a working conference on Environmental Governance Standards (EGS) on June 21-23, 2006 at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. The event is the second working conference after the successful running of the first one in Hanoi, Vietnam in March. This conference served as a forum for the EGS project and its partners' - Germany's Wuppertal Institute and U.K's University of Leeds - in adapting the findings of their respective research studies on internal environmental management system (IEMS) and on environmental rating system for project finance (ERS), into the development of a training resource and guidebook for use of ADFIAP members and other financial institutions, including commercial banks. The EGS is an 18-month project that aims to support ADFIAP's "Greening of DFIs" project through an EU- Asia Environmental Partnership. The EGS aims to develop specialized management tools and instruments at the institutional level to benchmark Asian banks' environmental management policies and practices against best-of-industry standards in Europe. The conference was attended by 28 participants from different financial institutions in India, Turkey, Nepal, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. The resource persons of the conference were Ms. Burcu Tuncer of the Wuppertal Institute, Dr. Frank Figge of the University of Leeds and Mr. Octavio B. Peralta, ADFIAP Secretary General. The event was inaugurated by Mr. V.P. Shetty, Chairman and Managing Director of IDBI, Ltd., the country's pre-eminent financial institution and one of ADFIAP's founding members and Board Directors. Back to top Association Update : 6/29/2006 : Active ADFIAP Speaks at EuroAsia Forum ADFIAP, represented by its Secretary General, Octavio B. Peralta, spoke to over a hundred delegates and dignitaries mostly from Europe and Asia which gathered in Astana, Kazakhstan on May 31, 2006 for the first-ever Eurasian Forum for Development Institutions. The event was organized by the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK), an ADFIAP member and represented in the Board by its new president, Mr. Askar Sembin. Mr. Peralta made known to the audience the role of development finance institutions in the Asia-Pacific region by presenting the Association's mission and work as well as the accomplishments of member-institutions in their sustainable development efforts. He also did the welcome remarks during the opening ceremony. The Davos-styled event themed, "The Role of Development Institutions in Economy Diversification" put together CEOs of State institutions, international investment bankers, researchers, consultants and the press to exchange various views and inputs regarding the role and governance of State-owned financial institutions, particularly in assisting various stakeholders in national economic development. The forum was inaugurated by the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Karim Massimov, who also spoke about the role of development institutions in Kazakhstan in modernizing its economy. Mr. Kairat Kelimbetov, DBK Chairman, in his speech, mentioned the launching of the country's "Kazyna" Fund for Sustainable Development, a consolidation of all national development organizations, including the DBK, under one umbrella tasked with coordinatively implementing large strategic projects and promoting Kazakhstan in the international arena. Mr. Kelimbetov has been appointed to head the Fund. Back to top Association Update : 6/29/2006 : Active Membership Rises to 67 Institutions With the Board approval and the General Assembly's confirmation of the membership applications of Bhutan National Bank Limited (BNBL), SME Bank of Sri Lanka and Development Bank of American Samoa, ADFIAP's total membership has increased to 67 members in 33 countries. The three new members were formally welcomed during the 29th ADFIAP Annual Meetings on May 8-10, 2006 at the Grand Cinnamon Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. BNBL is a financial institution engaged in all commercial banking activities, such as accepting deposits, extending credit facilities to its customers. It is licensed under the Financial Institutions Act of Bhutan in 2002. It was converted from a unit trust company to a commercial bank in 1997. The Bank aims to collaborate with the Association in the area of staff and professional development. The key officers of the bank are Mr. Kipcho Tshering, Managing Director and Mr. Tshewang Samdrup, General Manager. The SME Bank of Sri Lanka, on the other hand, was established in December 2004 and commenced its operations in July 2005 as a state-owned development bank focused on supporting the small and medium enterprise sector of Sri Lanka. It has been licensed as a specialized bank authorized to do most banking activities including equity investments, but not to operate demand deposits and checking accounts. The Bank intends to cooperate with ADFIAP in human resource development, information exchange on aspects of development finance, and in facilitating networks with other institutions in Asia-Pacific on enterprise development and support. Mr. Moksevi R. Prelis, Chairman and Mr. Uditha Palihakkara, Chief Executive Officer, are the key senior persons at SME Bank. The Development Bank of American Samoa (DBAS) was established by the American Samoa Government (ASG) through legislation in 1972 to: " Provide American Samoa with lending and investment facilities; " Assist in the promotion of private enterprises; and, " Meet the needs of developing the economy of American Samoa. As a development bank, DBAS intends to complement commercial banking activity and acts as a "lender of last resort" in American Samoa. The bank, however, operates strictly in accordance with sound commercial banking practices in order to maintain continuity of operations and financial strength. The bank also attaches due regard to the general framework on the ASG's economic policies, plans and priorities in implementing its financial (lending and non lending) programs. The bank aims to collaborate with ADFIAP in the areas of staff and professional development; information exchange on aspects of development finance and industry benchmark. The bank CEO is Mr. Abe Utu Malae. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active Secretary General Conferred an ICD Fellow Mr. Octavio B. Peralta, ADFIAP Secretary General, was inducted as a Fellow by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) during its 3rd Annual General Membership Meeting on May 24 at the Makati Shang-rila. The grant of ICD Fellow is given to an individual upon fulfillment of the Institute’s 4E’s requirement, i.e., education (attendance to ICD’s Professional Directors Program); examination (passing a validation test); experience (as a Director in an organization) and ethics. ICD is the pre-eminent institution in the Philippines that promotes good corporate governance and qualifies professional directors. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active Colombo Meetings a Smashing Success Over 100 CEOs and top-level delegates from ADFIAP-member development financing institutions as well as invited development organizations worldwide were overwhelmed and awed by the degree of hospitality and the quality of the events provided by the host-member, the DFCC Bank for ADFIAP’s 29th edition of its Annual Meetings on May 8-10, 2006 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. “This year’s conference has brought the event to a higher level…this may be difficult to surpass”, commented one pleased delegate. The Meetings, which included the General Assembly Meeting, the Conference Proper, the 63rd Board of Directors Meetings, the Delegates meetings, the ADFIAP Awards presentation, and the ADFIAP Expo, were all professionally-executed by the DFCC Bank’s organizing group which gave their whole hearts and minds to the success of the meetings. The main highlight of the event was the inauguration of the conference by His Excellency Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, who stayed for a while to meet the delegates and had a group photo with them. Other programs included the drafting of the Colombo Consensus on Sustainability of DFIs, the ADFIAP Awards 2006, and the CEO Award (please see separate stories). Twelve (12) speakers from different institutions and countries shared their views and insights on this year’s conference theme “DFIs: Are they Sustainable?/Opportunities in Sustainable Investments”. Presentation papers will be made available in the Journal of Development Finance that will be published shortly. Other information can be found at the conference website: http://www.adfiap.org/conference Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active Members Craft “The Colombo Consensus” Led by Chairman Amb. Jesus P. Tambunting, attending ADFIAP member-institutions at the conclusion of the conference have prepared and adopted the Colombo Consensus on Sustainability of DFIs in realization of their role amidst the working environment they are operating at present. The pronouncements also aim to guide member-DFIs as they move forward into the future. “THE COLOMBO CONSENSUS” (Agreed and subscribed to by the Delegates to the 29th ADFIAP Annual Meetings held on May 8 to 11, 2006 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka) PREAMBLE WHEREAS the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP), the focal point of all development banks and financial institutions engaged in the financing of development in the region, recognizes that the Association and its member-DFIs have to have a long-term view of the future and the sustainability of their institutions as they face new challenges in an ever-changing environment, do hereby consent to the following declarations: Consensus No. 1 Role of DFIs in the Financial System RECOGNIZING that while each country’s financial system is unique and appropriate to its own economic development, and that there is now less clear distinction on the role and function between DFIs and commercial banks, ADFIAP member-institutions agree that there is ‘room’ for both types of financial institutions to co-exist in the ‘market’ and that they should complement with each other in meeting the sustainable development needs of the country. Consensus No. 2 DFIs and the Regulatory Environment CONSIDERING that DFIs in most countries have a specific mandate from the State to play a prominent role in the economic development of the nation, especially in providing funds for long-term projects and strategic sectors where no commercial financial institution may venture into, ADFIAP member-banks agree that there is need to dialogue with regulatory agencies and to develop, in addition to existing financial and prudential regulations applicable to general banking activities, a definitive supervisory framework for DFIs. Consensus No. 3 DFIs and Funding Sources REALIZING that there is a dearth in funding sources, particularly long-term finance, for DFIs in many developing countries in view of their governments’ ‘arms-length’ posture with them and own financial difficulties, DFIs agree that they have to be resilient and adaptive to this situation by convincing their governments to change their charters, if applicable, for them to go into business areas where they can have a competitive advantage based on their inherent strengths. The DFIs also agree that they can survive without concessionary finance if only States can provide them support mechanisms and enabling policies to allow them to sustainably operate in this kind of environment. Consensus No. 4 DFIs and Profitability EMPHASIZING the need for DFIs to be effective and sustainable institutions, there is no doubt in the minds of DFI-members that they have to be profitable and show financial strength and stability. Profitability, however, in the context of DFIs means balancing the attainment of their development mandate vis-à-vis their financial performance. In essence, profit maximization may not only be the overarching objective of the DFI. Consensus No. 5 DFIs and Sustainable Investments COMMITTING to its objective of being a mainstream institution in the sustainable development arena, ADFIAP and its members will continue to explore sustainable investments and other business opportunities such as those dealing with the environment, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), infrastructure, housing development, etc., as well as to relate and partner with like-minded development institutions around the world that will contribute to the attainment of this goal. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active 7 Members Garner ADFIAP Awards Seven member-institutions from seven countries top this year’s Outstanding Development Project Awards, an annual awards programme which recognizes the ADFIAP member-banks’ achievements in seven categories, i.e., human resources development, environment development, SME development, infrastructure development, technology development, trade development, and local economic development. The winners were presented with their trophies during the Awards Night on May 10, 2006 in Colombo, Sri Lanka in conjunction with the 29th ADFIAP Annual Meetings. The winning member-institutions were: DFCC Bank (Sri Lanka) for human resource development; Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for environment development; Rural Development Bank of Cambodia (RDB) for SME development; Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK) for infrastructure development; Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) for technology development; Export-Import Bank of India (Eximbank India) for trade development; and Development Bank of Turkey (DBT) for local economic development. The Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) and the Development Bank of Samoa (DBS) received plaques of merit for their outstanding projects on local economic development and SME development, respectively. The winning project entries are as follow: DFCC Bank (Sri Lanka): “Gearing the Human Capital of a DFI to Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century and Evolve from a Good to Great Company.” Development Bank of the Philippines: “The DBP Forest Program: Greening the Countryside.” Rural Development Bank of Cambodia: “Microfinance and Small & Medium Enterprise Integration Project in Malay, Kom Reang, Phnom Preuk and Sampovloon Districts of Banteay Meanchey Province.” Development Bank of Kazakhstan: “JSC Transtelecom: Fiber-optic Backbone Communication Line on Astana-Almaty Section and JSC KEGOC: 500KV North-South Second Power Transmission Line.” Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad: Innobiologics Sdn Bhd.” Export-Import Bank of India: “Program for Supporting Village and Rural Industries in Promoting India’s International Trade.” Development Bank of Turkey: “Determination of Suitable Investment Areas and the Entrepreneur Profile for Erzurum, Erzincan, Bayburt Provinces Statistical Region and Supporting and Improving Entrepreneurship in Kirrikale Province.” Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active Membership Rises to 66 Institutions With the Board approval and the General Assembly’s confirmation of the membership applications of Bhutan National Bank Limited (BNBL) and the SME Bank of Sri Lanka, ADFIAP's total membership has increased to 66 members in 32 countries. The two new members were formally welcomed during the 29th ADFIAP Annual Meetings on May 8-10, 2006 at the Grand Cinnamon Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. BNBL is a financial institution engaged in all commercial banking activities, such as accepting deposits, extending credit facilities to its customers. It is licensed under the Financial Institutions Act of Bhutan in 2002. It was converted from a unit trust company to a commercial bank in 1997. The Bank aims to collaborate with the Association in the area of staff and professional development. The key officers of the bank are Mr. Kipcho Tshering, Managing Director and Mr. Tshewang Samdrup, General Manager. The SME Bank of Sri Lanka, on the other hand, was established in December 2004 and commenced its operations in July 2005 as a state-owned development bank focused on supporting the small and medium enterprise sector of Sri Lanka. It has been licensed as a specialized bank authorized to do most banking activities including equity investments, but not to operate demand deposits and checking accounts. The Bank intends to cooperate with ADFIAP in human resource development, information exchange on aspects of development finance, and in facilitating networks with other institutions in Asia-Pacific on enterprise development and support. Mr. Moksevi R. Prelis, Chairman and Mr. Uditha Palihakkara, Chief Executive Officer, are the key senior persons at SME Bank. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active Fonseka is CEO of the Year The Outstanding CEO Award for 2006 was conferred to Mr. Nihal Fonseka, CEO of the DFCC Bank of Sri Lanka. Mr. Fonseka joined DFCC Bank, the country’s premier bank, in year 2000 as its chief executive, after a career spanning 23 years in the banking industry. He is highly regarded as a professional in the financial services by the industry, the business community, multilateral agencies, regulatory authorities and the government. He holds many positions of importance in business associations and think-tanks. Recognizing the demands imposed by the unusual structure of a non-state-owned DFI, he has worked steadfastly with a view of changing the institution from a “good to great” one in a rapidly changing financial landscape. Mr. Fonseka has progressively embarked on a series of initiatives to attain this aim and, in particular, committed the institution to invest significantly in automation, centralization of processing, human capital development and product diversification. These initiatives, coupled with strong risk management, greater delegation of authority, accountability and performance-based rewards, have transformed his institution into a forward-looking, modern financial services conglomerate and raking it among the best in the country as measured by key performance indicators. Under his 5-year stewardship, the financial performance and strength of his bank grew from year to year. Among these are: a growth of 374% of market capitalization, 250% increase in net profit, return on equity of 14.3% and current savings per share of 23.56 Rupees. Mr.Fonseka’s vision of his bank as the country’s premier financial services group is premised on his belief that modern-day customers require a full range of financial products and services, without losing sight of balancing this with a social responsibility of supporting entrepreneurship development and creating value for its shareholders. Mr. Fonseka dedicated his win to his bank’s corps of officers and staff and to his family whom he said have supported his career and long working hours. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active DBJ Gets Special Recognition The Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) was given the Special Recognition Award for its international cooperation activities during the Awards Nights of the 29th ADFIAP Annual Meetings in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 8-10, 2006. The Awards recognizes DBJ’s pioneering and dedicated work of extending technical assistance to developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region by helping the development finance institutions in their quest to build and enhance capacities in development banking, human resources and governance. These activities include, among others, the conduct of the long running Development Finance Course, the continuing constitutional linkage with the China Development Bank, the capacity-building assistance to Vietnam’s Development Assistance Fund and the leadership of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative’s Asia-Pacific Task Force for ensure a sustainable future of the region. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active Asaka Bank, Pak-Oman, Eximbank India, DFCC Bag Special Awards This year’s best annual report and best website went to the Asaka Bank of Kazakhstan and Pak-Oman Investment Company (Pvt) Ltd of Pakistan, respectively. Their Awards were presented on the Awards Night of the 29th ADFIAP Annual Meetings on May 8-10, 2006 at the Grand Cinnamon Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Criteria in selecting the best annual report include: disclosure of financial and management information; articulation of sustainable development agenda; clarity and readability of content; design and visual impact and overall uniqueness and innovations. For the best website, the criteria include: depth and clarity of content; articulation of sustainable development agenda; user-friendliness and site guidance; design and visual impact and technical innovativeness and uniqueness. Export Import Bank of India was recognized for being the first ADFIAP member to pay its annual due this year while DFCC Bank got a special award for its effort in recruiting the most number of new members into ADFIAP. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active Dato’ Yusoff, Honorary Member The General Assembly conferred honorary membership to Dato’ Md Noor Yusoff, former Group Managing Director of the Bank Industri and Teknology Malaysia Berhad (BITMB) during the 29th ADFIAP Annual Meetings in Colombo. Dato Yusoff is a recipient of the prestigious “Outstanding CEO Award” and conferred the “Fellow in Development Banking Award” in 2005 during the ADFIAP Annual Meetings in Fiji last year. His undivided passion and his hard work for development financing did not go unnoticed. With his vast experience, skills and expertise in various financial industry disciplines, particularly the development banking, maritime and shipping financing, consumer banking, export credit business, political risk and export credit insurance business, the Government appointed Dato’ Yusoff as the Group Managing Director of BITMB in January 2000. As Group Managing Director of BITMB, he oversaw the entire operations of the Bank Industri Group of Companies which included three development financial institutions, namely: Bank Industri & Teknologi Malaysia Berhad; Export Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad; and Malaysia Export Credit Insurance Berhad. He also held directorship in various companies such as Malaysian Bulk Carriers Berhad, Global Maritime Ventures Berhad and BI Walden Ventures Sdn. BHD. With his experiences in export financing and export promotion activities, he has been appointed as one of the Directors in Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (i.e., the external trade promotion arm of the Government of Malaysia) since 2002. Dato’ Yusoff is presently taking a law degree program at a local university. He obtained his two Masters degrees, MBA in 1986 and Masters in Comparative Laws in 2002. He has a Bachelors Degree in Economics (Honours) in 1978 and a Bachelors Degree in Law (1989). In addition to these, Dato’ Yusoff has completed two Post Graduate Diplomas: Diploma in Syariah Law & Practice (1990) and Diploma in Islamic Studies (1992). For his contribution to the country, Dato’ Yusoff was conferred Daarjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP) carrying the title Dato’ by the Sultan of Pahang Darul Makmur in 2003. Previously, he was conferred Darjah Paduka Mahkota Perak (P. M. P.) by the Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan in 2002. He was also the holder of 2003 Alumni Excellence Award from the National University of Malaysia Alumni Association. Honorary membership in ADFIAP is granted to individuals who have performed outstanding services in the field of development banking; those who have been closely connected with the profession of development banking; or those who have served ADFIAP for many years. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active ADFIAP, CIPE, ADFIP Organize Governance Seminar ADFIAP, with funding support from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), and in cooperation with the Association of Development Financing Institutions in the Pacific (ADFIP) held the Seminar on Corporate Governance & Risk Management Compliance Program for Banks on May 19, 2006 in Koror, Palau. The National Development Bank of Palau (NDBP), a member of both ADFIAP and ADFIP, hosted the event in the island country. This training program is an offshoot of the “Compliance Officership Program” (COP) held on December 12-16, 2005 in Manila, Philippines, which aims to develop a corps of Compliance Officers (COs) in member-banks to institute good governance and anti-corruption initiatives and to set up a Compliance Units (CUs) in their respective institutions. The COP is the 3rd phase of the capacity-building program of the Corporate Governance Project for ADFIAP members. The Palau program paved the way for the enhancement and strengthening of the function and role of the compliance officers (COs) in development banks and other financial institutions in the country from one of a documentary compliance and public relations to being more proactive in the governance and anti-corruption due diligence policies and practices in their respective organizations. The event was attended by 18 participants from different financial institutions in the Pacific Islands. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active ADFIM to Host November Board Meeting The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Malaysia (ADFIM), presently chaired by Dato’ Abdul Rahim Mohd. Zin, will be hosting ADFIAP's 64th Board Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on November 29-30, 2006. The meeting dates will also afford the members of the Board to attend the 3rd CEO Forum on SMEs slated in the same Asian city on November 27-28. The ADFIAP Board meets twice a year, with its first during the ADFIAP Annual Meetings usually in the month of May to review the past year's operation and the second in the month of November to approve next year's business plans and budget. The Board Meetings are being held in different cities in the Asia-Pacific region to enhance networking among members as well as to know more of the countries visited. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active Board Elects Fonseka Vice Chair The ADFIAP Board of Directors elected Mr. Nihal Fonseka, Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank of Sri Lanka, to fill the third seat for Vice Chairman during their 63rd Board Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 10, 2006. Mr. Fonseka joined the ADFIAP Board in January 2000 and has been actively involved in the affairs of the Association since then. The ADFIAP charter allows the election of three Vice Chairmen to enhance the governance process of the Association (for more information on Mr. Fonseka, please see article on his recognition as CEO of the Year). Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active Board Constitutes 3 Permanent Committees The ADFIAP Board, in its 63rd Meeting in Colombo, has constituted 3 permanent working committees to enhance governance and allow for active participation of its members. The three committees will each be headed by the three present Vice Chairmen. The permanent working committees and their terms of reference are as follows: I. Training Committee. The objective of the committee is to guide the ADFIAP Secretariat in formulating training programs for the Association and defining the qualification standards for professional accreditation of development bankers under the Institute of Development Finance's (IDF) credentialing program. The duties and responsibilities of the Committee are to: (i) Approve training and professional development program and strategies of the Association and guide the operations of the IDF; (ii) Guide the Secretariat in defining the qualifications and standards for professional accreditation for the conferment of the IDF credentials; (iii) Guide the Secretariat in formulating the course content of modules of the training programs to be conducted; (iv) Approve the conferment of professional credentials for Levels 1(Associate in Development Banking) & 2 (Affiliate in Development Bank Management) and recommend the conferment of the credential for level 3 (Fellow in Development Banking) to the BOD for approval; (v) Approve the applications for franchise of the credentialing program by member-banks, other financial institutions, learning institutes, and other training service providers; (vi) Coordinate the training programs between ADFIAP with multilateral financial institutions, international partners and other organizations; and (vii) Guide the Secretariat in raising revenue to support activities of the Association, and review and recommend the budget of the IDF for BOD approval. II. Finance Committee. The objective of the committee is to raise funds for the Association and help improve its financial condition. The duties and responsibilities of the Committee are to: (i) Assist the Secretariat in expanding the Association's sources of funds; (ii) Find ways and means to enhance the budgeting and financial policies of the Association; (iii) Improve the financial standing of the Association; and (iv) Review the Association's budget for the year. III. Business Cooperation Committee. The main objective of the committee is to explore and create business opportunities and ventures among member-banks. The duties and responsibilities of the committee are to: (i) Generate ideas for business cooperation among members; (ii) Organize, through the Secretariat, business networking events; (iii) Propose business ventures and seek partners and investors, including non-members; and (iv) Help manage the business ventures that will be consummated Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active ADFIAP Amends Governance Provisions in Charter With its aim to elaborate further the composition and term of office of the Board of Directors, the General Assembly during its 11th Extraordinary Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has approved the following amendments of Article 9 (on Management) of the ADFIAP Constitution: 9.1 The Association shall be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of not more than thirty (30) members to be elected from among the Ordinary Members of good standing. The Board of Directors shall appoint its officers - a Chairman, not more than three Vice-Chairmen, and a Treasurer. Starting 2007, the term of the Board officers shall be two (2) years, with re-election for another one term of office. 9.2 The Board of Directors shall appoint three (3) Independent Directors from among the non-voting members, i.e. Special, Sponsor and Associate, to sit in the Board as ex-officio members. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active ADFIAP Restructures Membership Categories To support one of the pillars of the 5-year ADFIAP Strategic Plan, i.e., membership development, and upon the Board's recommendation and the General Assembly's confirmation, during their separate meetings in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 8-10, 2006, the following amendments to the existing provisions of Article 5 (on Membership) of the ADFIAP Constitution have been ratified: 5.1 Membership shall be open to institutions engaged in the financing of development in the industrial, service, or other productive sectors of the economy. 5.2 The Association shall have the following types of membership: (a) Ordinary (i) Institutions in Asia and the Pacific engaged in the financing of development as a significant activity. (b) Special (i) Regional or sub-regional institutions in Asia and the pacific; (ii) International organizations with which the Association may decide to establish and maintain a relationship under Article 4. (iii) Other institutions within or outside the region may be granted special membership with observer status by the ADFIAP Board of Directors on a case-to-case basis. As such, entrance fees and annual dues may be waived for a limited time. (iv) Other institutions actively participating in the development of Asia and the Pacific (c) Sponsor (i) Corporates and other commercial institutions or individuals that support and endorse the purposes and programs of ADFIAP and are willing to pay membership dues or contribution to Assist the Association financially. (c) Associate (i) Institutions with provincial or state-wide operations on the recommendation of a member-institution in that country. (ii) Other financial institutions, including commercial banks with units or departments that cater to development-oriented activities such as but not limited to, small & medium enterprise banking, environmental lending, trade finance, microfinance, housing finance, etc. (d) Honorary (i) Individuals who have performed outstanding services in the field of development banking, or who have been closely connected with the profession of development banking, or have served ADFIAP for many years, may be conferred with Honorary Membership by the General Assembly. Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active ADFIAP Attends EU Networking Event ADFIAP, represented by its Secretary General, Mr. Octavio B. Peralta, attended a networking activity sponsored by the European Union (EU) in Bangkok, Thailand on April 26-27, 2006. The Asia Pro Eco Programme Networking Meeting brought together European Commission representatives from its headquarters in Brussels, some of its country delegations in the region, and 77 Asia Pro Eco beneficiaries to share experience on the way projects under the Programme are being managed and implemented to achieve their objectives. The other purpose of the networking event was to exchange ideas and recommendations on how to improve the impact and sustainability of Asia Pro Eco projects, and to gather recommendations for the strategic orientation of the Programme. The 2006 meeting was the first such meeting for Asia Pro Eco, now that the Programme has reached the stage where there is a critical mass of project experience dating back up to three years. The agenda of the meeting included presentations, plenary sessions and parallel workshops covering three main areas of the Asia Pro Eco Programme - water, waste and energy - covered by three resource persons who have all been involved in the Programme. This afforded facilitation of discussions and the exchange of information and lessons learnt among beneficiaries, as well as stimulated the dialogue on issues relevant to the region and the Asia Pro Eco Programme. Mr. Peralta showcased and briefly discussed with delegates during the event, ADFIAP's Asia Pro Eco Programme grant project on Environmental Governance Standards (EGS) for member-development banks Back to top Association Update : 5/29/2006 : Active ADFIAP Unveils New Logo In time for its 30th year anniversary, the ADFIAP Board and General Assembly meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka has approved and unveil the Association’s new logo to depict its current strategic direction and give impetus to the ADFIAP “brand” through a descriptive “tagline” that goes with the logo. Spinning arrow embracing the globe depicts the progress and dynamism of ADFIAP and its vision and mission. The blue arrow stands for ADFIAP (blue is its original corporate color) and the green arrow symbolizes its sustainable development thrust. The map profile of the Asia-Pacific region is visible to reflect the regional identity and character of the Association. The tagline is placed below the acronym ADFIAP for a better, at-a-glance grasp of what ADFIAP does and stands for. Back to top Association Update : 4/11/2006 : Active Sri Lanka’s PM to Address Annual Meetings Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, H.E. Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, will inaugurate the 29th ADFIAP Conference scheduled to be held on May 10, 2006 during the Association's Annual Meetings at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo. Over a hundred foreign and local delegates, mostly chief executives of member-institutions are expected to attend this year's event. The theme of the conference is “DFIs: Are they Sustainable?/Opportunities in Sustainable Investments”. The other highlights of the Annual Meetings include the 59th Board of Directors Meeting, the Committee Meetings, the General Assembly Meeting, and the ADFIAP Awards presentation. A first this year is the ADFIAP Expo, a photo showcase of the achievements and successful projects of member-banks. For the conference, the keynote speaker is Mr. Aftab Quereshi, Adviser to the World Bank Board. Other speakers and experts from international organizations which have confirmed to provide their insights on the event's theme include: Mr. Hirokazu Hironouchi, Senior Executive, Development Bank of Japan; Mr. Aziz Latip, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, The Brunei Economic Development Board; Mr. Michael Kundt, Head of the CSCP, UNEP/Wuppertal Institute Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production; Mr. TC Venkat Subramanian, Chairman & Managing Director, Export-Import Bank of India; Ybhg. Dato’ Abdul Rahim Mohd. Zin, President/Group Managing Director, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad; Ms. Edmee Metivier, Executive Vice President, Integrated Risk and Technology Management, Business Development Bank of Canada; Mr. Ranjith Fernando, Former Secretary, Ministry of Industries and Former General Manager, National Development Bank of Sri Lanka; Mr. Anton G. van Elteren, Senior Environmental Specialist, The Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO); Mr. Takejiro Sueyoshi, Special Advisor, Asia-Pacific Region, United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative; Dr. Norbert Kloppenberg, Senior Vice President, Europe & Asia, KfW; and Mr. Zaigham Mahmood Rizvi, Chairman & Managing Director, House Building Finance Corporation and Mr. Geoffrey Mintz, Director of Business Development, Foundation for International Business Economic Research (FIBER). For additional information and regular updates, please visit the event website at http://www.adfiap.org/conference Back to top Association Update : 3/16/2006 : Active Colombo Conference in High Gear Event preparations, delegate registrations and speaker presentations for the 29th ADFIAP Annual Meetings to be held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 8-11, 2006 are all progressing very smoothly. This early, over fifty delegates from ADFIAP member-institutions as well as from various international and local organizations have already registered for the event that is hosted by DFCC Bank, the country's premier development financial institution. The highlights of the Meetings which include the Board Meetings, the Committee Meetings, the General Assembly Meeting, the ADFIAP Awards and the Annual Conference, have all been firmed up. The notices and the corresponding agenda will be sent shortly. A first this year is the ADFIAP Expo, a photo showcase of the achievements and successful projects of member-banks. Speakers and experts from international organizations which have confirmed, include: Mr. Hirokazu Hironouchi, Senior Executive, Development Bank of Japan; Mr. Aziz Latip, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, The Brunei Economic Development Board; Mr. Michael Kundt, Head of the CSCP, UNEP/Wuppertal Institute Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production; Mr. TC Venkat Subramanian, Chairman & Managing Director, Export-Import Bank of India; Ybhg. Dato’ Abdul Rahim Mohd. Zin, President/Group Managing Director, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad; Ms. Edmee Metivier, Executive Vice President, Integrated Risk and Technology Management, Business Development Bank of Canada; Mr. Ranjith Fernando, Former Secretary, Ministry of Industries and Former General Manager, National Development Bank of Sri Lanka; Mr. Anton G. van Elteren, Senior Environmental Specialist, The Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO); Mr. Takejiro Sueyoshi, Special Advisor, Asia-Pacific Region, United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiatives; Dr. Norbert Kloppenberg, Senior Vice President, Europe & Asia, KfW; and Mr. Zaigham Mahmood Rizvi, Chairman & Managing Director, House Building Finance Corporation. For additional information and regular updates, please visit the event website at http://www.adfiap.org/conference Back to top Association Update : 3/16/2006 : Active ADFIAP in e-Finance Forum Twelve delegates from nine ADFIAP member-institutions in seven countries participated in the “Regional Business Forum on e-Finance” on March 6-7, 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand, which was organized by the Geneva-based International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO (ITC) in cooperation with Thailand’s Software Industrial Promotion Agency (SIPA), the Thailand Investor Service Centre, the Ministry of Finance and the Association of Thai Software Industry (ATSI). The forum was premised on the lack of affordable and workable e-finance technologies in developing countries that is considered to be a key impediment to e