From October 28-31, 2024, Agribank delegation led by Ms. Tu Thi Kim Thanh, Member of the Board of Directors, attended the 27th WSBI World Congress in Rome, Italy. The Congress is an opportunity for banks and organizations from around the world to meet, share knowledge and discuss issues related to digital transformation and ESG criteria in banking operations.

Within the framework of the congress, Agribank shared advances in applying technology to banking services to improve operational efficiency and enhance customer experience. Agribank has implemented many digital transformation projects and solutions to support rural customers in accessing financial services, notably the group-lending model, an initiative that has helped strengthen the connection between Agribank and customers by providing flexible financial solutions that are suitable to the actual conditions of each region. The congress is also an opportunity for Agribank to share achievements in the retail banking sector such as the strong development of card services, a diverse service ecosystem serving millions of individual customers and diverse credit incentive programs to support people.

The sessions of the congress focused on the latest trends in microfinance and savings banking. Speakers from renowned institutions such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), WSBI, and Caixabank presented innovative financial models, promoting financial inclusion and responding to the challenges of climate change. Through the results achieved from this congress, Agribank hopes to develop more new initiatives and solutions to better meet the needs of customers and contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam.

In addition to participating in the workshop sessions at the congress, the Agribank delegation participated in the working session with EIB and WSBI to discuss in depth about preferential loans that can support small and medium-sized enterprises in adapting to climate change and enhancing environmental protection. In particular, EIB focuses on providing preferential loans for projects that have a positive impact on the environment, thereby helping Vietnamese businesses improve resource efficiency and reduce emissions.

Agribank also participated in activities on the sidelines of the 27th WSBI World Congress with partners from Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, UniCredit, Istituto Centrale delle Casse Rurali ed Artigiane and the Italian Banking Association. Agribank discussed strategic cooperation, focusing on supporting farmers and vulnerable groups to access financial services at reasonable costs, while also strongly committing to sustainable development and ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) standards.

By participating in the Conference, Agribank has accessed advanced financial initiatives and solutions, supporting the digital transformation process and meeting the increasing demands for sustainable development. These steps not only strengthen Agribank's position in the regional financial ecosystem but also affirm the bank's role in the international arena, aiming to serve the community and protect the environment. Agribank expects that through these efforts, it will bring many practical values ​​to the Vietnam's economy, especially in supporting vulnerable groups and contributing to the sustainable development of rural communities.

Kylie Nguyen