With start-up capital of €25 million, Rabobank recently launched its Rabobank
Development Program to improve rural banking in 15 developing countries.
During a presentation coinciding with the recent Annual Meetings of the
International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington, Chairman Bert
Heemskerk said, The launch of the Rabobank Development Program is a new
challenge. More than four billion people around the world do not have access to
institutional financial services. As a socially responsible and involved co-operative
bank, Rabobank regards it as a key mission to combat this deprivation and to
encourage development of rural economies in developing countries.'
New program launched
The start-up capital is available for equity participation in financial institutions and
for guarantees. With this Program, Rabobank will capitalize on the experience it
already has in the developing world through the activities of the Rabobank
Foundation and Rabo International Advisory Services. In addition, experienced
staff will be made available to help the rural banks on the spot.
Rabobank