"Bringing our clients and partners together in this way has been a great opportunity to exchange ideas and collaborate," said TFP's Relationship Manager for Central Asia, Mongolia, and the Caucasus Nana Khurodze. "It's clear to us as well that forging relationships among banks in the region through gatherings like this one can foster greater intra-regional trade."
Supply chain finance, including ADB's new supply chain finance programme as a vehicle to close market gaps, particularly among small and medium-sized companies, was also a topic for discussion. Banks expressed considerable interest in working with ADB to boost supply chain financing support, undertake relevant training, and learn more about environmental and social safeguards.
Backed by ADB's AAA credit rating, TFP provides guarantees and loans to over 200 partner banks to support trade, enabling more companies throughout Asia to engage in import and export activities. Since 2009, ADB's TFP has supported more than 12,000 small and medium-sized businesses across developing Asia-through over 16,600 transactions valued at over $30 billion-in sectors ranging from commodities and capital goods, to medical supplies and consumer goods.
In 2017, TFP supported approximately $4.5 billion in trade through 3,505 transactions, 80% of which supported small and medium-sized enterprises. TFP has grown by about 40% in the first 10 months of 2018 compared with 2017. TFP complements its financial support with a regular series of workshops and seminars to increase knowledge and expertise in trade finance products and operations, risk management, and fraud prevention.
The ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.-PR