Overcoming misconceptions
An ideal opportunity
Josien Sluijs and Cindy Koolhout
a lot of potential in the Iraqi market,' Sluijs explains. To ensure
that IFC's investment is well-managed and effective, they have
asked Rabobank to provide expert advice and training in all
aspects of retail and credit management banking, including:
Auditing, ICT, Product Development, Marketing, Human
Resources and Credit Management Control.' A search is
underway for Rabobank employees who are interested in getting
involved, either by spending a few weeks in Jordan working to
establish best practices, or by hosting an Iraqi banker at a
Rabobank location, to show him/her what a complete solution
looks like. 'Rabobank experts in each of these areas have an
opportunity to share their experience with eager-to-learn Iraqi
counterparts,' Sluijs says.
market opportunities and positive effects would be
worthwhile, given the sensitive nature of the project. After
extensive investigation and analysis, we concluded that by
getting involved, we can help expedite the major growth
period that is expected, and also to help the Iraqi people
with their recovery process,' Sluijs explains.
Both Sluijs and Koolhout agree that part of the project will
involve overcoming misconceptions about Iraq and its current
climate. 'This project is not about politics,' Koolhout says. 'It's
about ensuring that when the war is over, the Iraqi people
will have the support and resources they need to rebuild
and prosper.'
In Phase One, Koolhout will establish and manage a Credit
Management system and SME loan guidelines. In Phase Two,
the teams will build a Retail Banking organisation, and will
need additional support for that project.
It has been more than a year since IFC first approached RIAS
with this opportunity. 'We wanted to be certain that the
Sluijs agrees: The objective of RIAS is to increase access to
financial resources in developing nations. By offering our
expertise, we will be helping to build a future for the people
of Iraq, which makes this an ideal partnership opportunity.'
For more information, or to get involved in the INB project,
please contact Josien Sluijs, RIAS, at sluijsj@rn.rabobank.nl.
The Word 13
