Newsbits- November 2009

Rome, Italy – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) announced on November 25 the appointment of Mr. He Changchui, incumbent Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific (FAO RAP), as Deputy Director General (Operations) effective January 1, 2010. APRACA joins the FAO staff in heartily congratulating Mr. He for his new promotion. Click on www.fao.org for more information.

Manila, Philippines – The Land Bank of the Philippines and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently signed a loan agreement for 14.6 billion Japanese yen to finance the Agricultural Credit Support Project (ACSP) which aims at creating investment and job opportunities and improving agricultural productivity in the rural areas. For more particulars and other LandBank news stories, visit www.landbank.com

Hanoi, Vietnam – Agribank Vietnam has provided financial assistance with total of VND 500 million for a pilot livelihood program, initiated by Vietnam’s Women Union, to support a number of disabled and orphaned children. For more info and other AgriBank news, visit www.agribank.com

Chavakachcheri Township, Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka – Hatton National Bank Managing Director/CEO Mr. Rajendra Theagarajah opened on November 25 HNB’s 183rd Customer Centre in the conflict-devastated township in Jaffna Peninsula. The opening with differently abled children showcasing their respective talents, has brought back hope to the devastated town and community. “The inclusion of children from Nuffield School in this ceremony is a manifestation of our inclusive policy, be it children with special needs”, Theagarajah said. For more development at Hatton National Bank and stories of its corporate social responsibilities, please visit www.hnb.net

Manila and Hanoi – CARD MBA is currently providing technical assistance to Tao Yeu Mai (TYM) for the setting-up of their microinsurance program in Vietnam. “Tao Yeu Mai” in Vietnam means “I love you” and its international name is Mutual Affection Fund of the Vietnam Women’s Union. For more info and other developments at CARD MRI, visit www.cardbankph.com

Bangkok, Thailand – Six APRACA members, designated as APRACA Centers of Excellence (ACEs), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Bank Indonesia, Bank Rakyat Indonesia, Agricultural Credit Policy Council and Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives and the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Bank- are set to formally and jointly launched their respective ACEs early next year. Dates to be announced.