Monday, September 20th, 2004

Asian Productivity Organization Opens Microcredit Conference Via GDLN

Seminar on Participatory Microcredit for Integrated Community Development in Mongolia opens with addresses and presentations from Tokyo and Manila connecting with the Distance Learning Center in Ulaanbaatar

The Asian Productivity Organization commenced their six-day seminar on Participatory Microcredit held September 20-26 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia with a videoconferencing session connecting the Mongolian Distance Learning Center with the TDLC in Tokyo and the Asian Institute of Management in Manila. Participants from more than 10 countries took part, including 11 specialists in the field of microcredit from Mongolia.

The videoconference helped lay the groundwork for the following days of the seminar by introducing a number of experts in microcredit from throughout the region who provided a deeper examination of various microcredit programs than would have been otherwise possible.

The videoconference was opened by Mr. Kunio Tsubota, Director of the APO's Agriculture Department. Mr. Tsubota introduced participants from the three countries and made welcoming remarks. The first presentation was delivered by Dr. Nimal A. Fernando, Lead Rural Finance Specialist of The Asian Development Bank. Dr. Fernando provided an overview of microcredit programs in the region and examined the historical evolution of microcredit and its role in agricultural and rural development.

The next presenter from the Philippines was Dr. Gilberto Llanto, Vice President, Philippine Institute for Development Studies, who presented mid-term results and findings from surveys focusing on institutions and policies relating to microfinance conducted in APO member countries.

Ms. Haruko Awano, Senior Consultant with IC Net Ltd., spoke from Tokyo on the role of microfinance in rural community development. Her presentation used specific case studies and examples from Mongolian initiatives in community development and poverty alleviation.

At the seminar, a productive discussion took place on future possibilities for use of the GDLN with projects associated with next year's United Nations International Year of Microcredit. The GDLN is proud to have played a key role in this seminar, and very gratified to have been able to introduce the APO so successfully to the network and its possibilities.

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Related Links:

Asian Productivity Organization
http://www.apo-tokyo.org/