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Dear colleagues,
INTRODUCTION
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RIAS
Spreading the
cooperative message.
>24-26<
The last word
Marking the 25th
anniversary of
Rabobank's first
international office
- Curagao.
- w
Wbile it's a little too early to
announce our results for 2003
publicly, another record year is pre-
dicted for RI. Actually, a net result of
350 millioti is forecast. Tbis repre-
sents a 25% increase front last year.
Tbe picture is made rosier still by tbe
fact that costs are running 5% below
budget and we are expecting a return
on solvency rate ofabout 17%. All
achieved despite tbe serious global
SARS epidemie and adverse economie
conditions. Wben tbese results are
announced, tbere will undoubtedly
be mucb celebration.
However, as is so often the case, tbere
are two sides to the coin. Growtb
tends to create its own unique
problems. Ralf Dekker explains more
about tbis wben you turn tbe page.
Meanwbile, tbe main message to
all in the RI network at tbis time is
to keep up tbe excellent work. In
addition to greater profits, we are
witnessing greater cooperation and
knowledge-sbare througbout tbe net
work. Evidence of tbese catcbwords
at work can be found in tbe pages of
tbis magazine. Tbe Professionals
Exchange Program (PEP) in Asia
(page 23) is a prime example of
sbaring knowledge and leveraging
our international network. Or, in
more simple terms, sbaring best
practice across borders and getting
to know our international colleagues
a little better. Tbe recent Global
Financial Markets conference
achieved a similar result, although it
was not only about connecting witb
colleagues, it was about connecting
witb clients too. Tbese clients made
sonte very insigbtful comments
(pages 18 19) whicb, ifbeeded,
should help us to be even more
successful next year.
Rik van Slingelandt
Chairman, RI Managing Board
The Word I
