ABOUT THE HOST
Dear ADFIAP Members and Colleagues,
I am delighted to extend a cordial invitation to you and distinguished members of the development finance community to the 47th ADFIAP Annual Meetings at Sofitel Phokeethra Hotel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from May 15-17, 2024, under a theme close to our hearts, “DFIs Role in Sustainable Finance Ecosystem: Cultivating a Climate-Smart and Sustainable Future.”
Hosted by the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank, the event will take place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia where our guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cambodia’s vibrant culture, explore its stunning natural landscapes and historical landmarks, and experience the warm hospitality the Kingdom is renowned for. The capital city has its own unique beauty, which blends historical grandeur with modern dynamism as seen in a stunning array of French colonial architecture, ornate pagodas, and sleek skyscrapers, reflecting the city’s rich tradition and progress. More importantly, it is home to many historical and cultural sites, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, National Museum, and bustling local markets.
The annual meetings will spotlight the intersection of agriculture, technology, climate-smart practices, and sustainable development and discuss innovative approaches and collaborative efforts to promote resilient and sustainable food production and consumption. On this note, we are honored to have the presence of regional and global experts, many of whom are representatives of our esteemed ADFIAP members, to share their invaluable insights on critical topics, such as redefining agriculture, climate-smart practices, and Agri-fintech.
I am confident that this platform will inspire innovative solutions, allow for exchanges of knowledge and best practices, showcase insights from regional and global experts, and open new collaboration opportunities in sustainable finance, especially for development financing institutions that are trailblazers in the development field and other like-minded organizations.
I eagerly anticipate your presence at this pivotal event, where together, we will cultivate a world that thrives on sustainability and resilience.
Sincerely,
H.E. Dr. Kao Thach
ADFIAP 1st Vice Chairman
Delegate of the Royal Government of Cambodia in charge as the CEO of ARDB
Agricultural and Rural Development Bank
The Rural Development Bank (RDB) was established by the Royal Government of Cambodia through sub-decree No.1, January 21, 1998, and operates as a specialized bank in agriculture sector. In 2014, the Royal Government of Cambodia amended the roles and organizational structures of RDB through sub-decree No. 199, June 11, 2014, to adapt a new corporate governance. The Rural Development Bank has transformed from a specialized bank to a commercial bank and amended the name to Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), in accordance with sub-decree No.124, dated August 27, 2019.
ARDB is ambitious in providing a full, efficient, and sustainable banking service to support agriculture sector and rural economies development that contributes to national economic development in line with the Royal Government of Cambodia Policy.
ARDB has played both roles as a commercial and a policy bank, bridging the financial gaps in the development sector that private banking and financial institutions hesitate to take risks.
ARDB has been continuously expanding its operations, capital, and collaboration with partners to provide efficient and sustainable financing and banking services to the agricultural sector. Currently, ARDB has established a branch in Battambang and other 14 mobile units to provide banking services to farmers, agricultural cooperatives, rice millers, MSMEs, and other related stakeholders in agriculture values chain.