Report of IDB – ADFIMI – Bankers’ Union of Sudan Joint CEO Seminar on “ Pricing and Marketing Issues in Microfinance” was held in Khartoum, Sudan, 02 April 2012, 11.00-14.00 hrs.


Speakers

There were four speakers:

• HE Abdel Rahim Hamdi, Former Minister of Finance, Sudan
• Br. Motaz El Tabaa, The Executive Director of the SME Projects, Alexandria Businessmen Association (ABA) Egypt;
• Br. Shabbir Ahmed Chowdhury, Director, Training Division, BRAC, Bangladesh;
• Sr. Bakhyt Sayakova, Head of Budgetary Planning Division, JSC “Fund for Financial Support of Agriculture”, Astana, Kazakhstan

Seminar Proper

The seminar began almost on time with a large number of participants. The meeting started by a recitation from the Qur’an and Dr. Ahmet Tiktik, Vice Chairman, Corporate Services has chaired the meeting in the opening session. He made opening remarks and afterwards asked for his leave due to his other engagements. The seminar was thereafter chaired by ADFIMI Chairman Br. M. Emin Özcan together with Dr. Abdel Hameed Jameel (on a behalf of Bankers’ Union of Sudan). First speaker, HE Abdel Rahim Hamdi, Former Minister of Finance, Sudan talked on “Microfinance practices and issues in Sudan” which was attentively followed by a the large number of audience. This was followed by three presentations that covered Pricing and Marketing Issues in Microfinance in the Arab Region, Central Asia and South Asia.

There were too many questions afterwards some of which could not be replied as the chairman had to stop since the next occupants of the hall were already delayed.

Participation

Thanks mainly to the presence of HE Abdel Rahim Hamdi, Former Minister of Finance, Sudan there was a very good participation at over 85. In fact, participation could have been higher if there were more seats available in the hall.

Acknowledgements

ADFIMI acknowledges the valuable inputs by the IDB staff, notably Brs. Ibrahim Barrie, Nedzad Ajanovic, Rageb Ahmed; ADFIMI is grateful to Bankers’ Union of Sudan for the cooperation they have provided. ADFIMI would also like to express its gratitude to the speakers; HE Abdel Rahim Hamdi, Mr. Motaz El Tabaa, Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Chowdhury, and Mrs. Bakhyt Sayakova.
ADFIMI appreciates the assistance provided by Mr. Hisham Taleb Maarouf, Director, Regional Office Almaty, Islamic Development Bank in the identification of Mrs. Bakhyt Sayakova.



Seminar Presentations:

1. Mr. Motaz El Tabaa Pricing and Marketing issues in Microfinance in the Arab Region
2. Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Chowdhury Pricing and Marketing issues in Microfinance in the South Asia
3. Mrs. Bakhyt Sayakova Pricing and Marketing issues in Microfinance in the Central Asia

Pictures taken during the Seminar