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Global insight
Focusforthe future
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permits EU countries to reduce or exempt
biofuels from excise duty for up to six
years.
'Biofuels are produced from agri-derived
inputs, so this is of interest to us and our
clients,' explains Zwanenberg. 'F&A activi-
ties like sugar and starch production have
a strong link with ethanol production.
Ditto for edible oils with its potential for
biodiesel production. Clients in these
sectors world-wide are confronted with
decisions about these latest regulatory
developments in Europe. FAR helps
clients by publishing on the subject.'
Numerous publications highlight FAR's
extensive knowledge of sector trends and
corporate strategies, as well as increasing
Rabobank's profile in the market and
generating publicity.
FAR reports give great insight into the spe-
cific industry sectors and give Rabobank a
significant competitive edge when used to
approach new clients. In addition to creat-
ing new business opportunities, FAR's
reports are used as an awareness-raising
marketing tooi and as a device to start
strategie discussions with existing clients.
The numerous conferences FAR holds
annually further increase its profile.
'Our challenge for 2004 is to improve the
consistency of our information. Every
report is cross-referenced in the same
sector world-wide. This ensures consistent
quality and safeguards a truly global view,'
says Zwanenberg.
Rural banking in Australia and New
Zealand received FAR's continued support
in 2003, with several presentations and a
Global Focus Report (farming) on beef,
rock lobster (fish) and deer. In addition, an
Executive Development Program for pri-
mary producers in the region was devel-
oped, which included industry snapshots.
Unsurprisingly, FAR's future focus, which
reflects RI's focus, is to further grow rural
banking activities.
FAR supports Relationship Managers (RMs)
with advice and by issuing reports, publi
cations, and daily intranet news flashes
and mail alerts. Conferences and training
programs for new RMs are also organized
regularly.
'Recently, FAR assisted RMs in a feasibility
study to finance a malting facility in the
Netherlands,' reveals Zwanenberg.
'Holland Malt, a joint venture between
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