During its 5th International EMN Conference the members of the European Microfinance Network (EMN) have appointed Klaas Molenaar, general director of Triodos Facet, as President of the Board of EMN.
EMN is a European network of micro finance practitioners and aims at developing the microfinance and micro credit sector in Europe. As per September 2008, EMN has 67 members in 21 countries. EMN prime activities are (i) to support to the members in their development and growth processes, (ii) to organize practical research in support of the sector, and advocacy and lobbying to ensure that appropriate policy measures are taken at national and European level. This has for instance resulted in the launching of the EU Initiative to develop Micro Credit. This EU Initiative was announced on 10th September by the EU Commissioner for Regional Policy Mrs. Danuta Hübner.
The European Commission will allocate more than 50 Million Euro for the sector in 2008. The EMN is closely associated with the implementation of this initiative. Just shortly after this launching the State Secretary of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, Mr. Frank Heemskerk, announced on 11 September 2008 that approximately 15 million Euro has been made available to develop the micro finance sector in the Netherlands.
[Bunnik, 16sep2008]
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BSC Armenia and Triodos Facet have become partners in SME development.
Development takes up a lot of time and it requires patience and perseverance. It’s easy getting a business started, but it takes confidence in yourself and your business partners to turn a project into a viable and sustainable business. BSC Armenia has recently become an independent consultancy company, specialised in rendering SME BDS services.
In the early nineties, the European Union (under the TACIS programme) invited Triodos Facet to assist in setting up a SME Development Agency (SMEDA) in Armenia, which developed into a Business Support Centre offering training and advisory services to existing and new SMEs in Armenia. To continue this successful initiative, the project staff decided to turn the project into a privately owned company.
BSC Armenia and Triodos Facet kept a good relationship over the past 10 years. In the beginning Triodos Facet only advised BSC Armenia, but gradually they have become equal partners developing products and services together.
We are proud to announce that Triodos Facet and BSC Armenia have decided to jointly develop Business Development Services in Armenia. Together we will promote the development of the local SME sector, which will contribute to sustainable development in Armenia.
In September 2008, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding reflecting our mutual understanding and trust in each other. This document also articulates our future cooperation.
Let's hope more of such arrangements with other partners will follow!
For further information, do not hesitate to contact:
Mr. Adriaan Loeff (
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) or
Mr. Samvel Grevorgyan (
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)
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[Bunnik, 8sep2008]
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