June 29–30, the Microfinance Forum organized by the Microfinance Centre—of which AMFOK has been a member for many years—took place in Istanbul. This is a European platform that brings together more than 100 associations and microfinance institutions from Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS (based in Warsaw, Poland). The theme of the conference was highly relevant for Kazakhstani MFIs: “Investing in Times of Uncertainty.” During the event, negotiations were held with leading investment companies, focusing on attracting investment into the microfinance sector of Kazakhstan.
The Association of Microfinance Organizations of Kazakhstan initiated the creation of a Coordination Council of MFO Associations of Central Asian countries, which was supported by colleagues from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. One of the key highlights of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation among the MFO associations of Central Asian countries.
The objectives of the Memorandum are:
1) to discuss and develop recommendations for the advancement of national programs for the development of the microfinance sector.
2) to promote widely accepted practices and values of microfinance, including but not limited to:
a. social impact management in MFIs;
b. improving financial literacy among the population;
c. improving digital literacy among the population;
d. financial inclusion;
e. smart campaign initiatives, etc.
3) to establish a centralized and technology-driven hub to support and develop MFIs in the region;
4) to promote best practices in microfinance;
5) to promote the values of microfinance, taking into account the interests of end beneficiaries, including consumers of microfinance products and services;
6) to organize and facilitate access to investment companies in order to attract both external and internal investments;
7) to develop a “backbone” communication network to ensure and facilitate the movement of capital — human, financial, and technological;
8) to organise and conduct regional conferences.
AMFOK, as the initiator of this association, proposed holding a Central Asian MFO Forum in Almaty. Colleagues from other countries supported the proposal. Investors from Europe, as well as major international financial institutions, were also invited to the forum.
We are preparing to host an important event. We welcome proposals and participation from all interested parties!
Republic of Kazakhstan, 050004, Almaty, st. Gogol 111, office 610
amfok.coordinator@gmail.com
+7 (727) 279-18-06
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