PALLI KARMA-SAHAYAK FOUNDATION OF BANGLADESH PAYS 4TH STUDY VISIT TO VIETNAM BANK FOR SOICAL POLICES

(VBSP News) Following three successful study tours in 2009, 2010 and 2011, from 1- 8 April 2012, the 11-member delegation of PKSF, leading by Managing Director Dr. QUAZI MESBAHUDDIN AHMED, has conducted a study tour to VBSP at the fourth time. The goal of this study visit is to learn and share experiences in microfinance, credit or non-credit policies and programs for the hardcore poor that contribute to poverty alleviation in Vietnam.

  Duong Quyet Thang welcome Director Dr. QUAZI MESBAHUDDIN AHMED

Day 1, 2 the delegation had a field trip to VBSP branch in Quang Ninh province. The participants visited and worked with the transaction office in Hoanh Bo district, met and interviewed with poor household clients in ethnic minority area with a view to understanding on the organizational structure, operational characteristics and learning successful models of poverty alleviation at Quang Ninh branch. Also, they had a chance to visit Ha Long Bay, one of the most famous beauty spots of Vietnam recognized by UNESCO as the world heritage site, where they were so surprised with the splendid landscape and went to visit the cage culture of fish – a method of raising fish in containers enclosed on all sides and bottom by materials – as a thriving economic model in the area. This is also considered as the effective and efficient model for the poor to escape from poverty.

      PKSF works with Transaction office of VBSP branch - Quang Ninh

Day 3, the delegation had a meeting with VBSP Management Board and functional directors in the Headquarters. They listened to VBSP experienced experts introducing on the Vietnam microfinance sector and VBSP acting as the top microfinance provider in Vietnam. During the afternoon session, Dr. Pham Thi Suu,Head of Policy Division - Committee of Ethnic Minorities shared information on non-credit policies of the government for the poor of minor ethnic group (the hardcore poor in Vietnam) and MA. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai, Director of an NGO introduced on activities of Microfinance Working Group in poverty alleviation in Vietnam, openly discussion together in terms of microfinance lessons between two countries.

Day 4, 5, the participants had a working session with the TYM Fund as the first licensed microfinance institution in Vietnam to get more understanding on microfinance role and TYM facilities supporting poor women. Moreover, the delegation spent time working with the Department of Social Affair - Ministry of Labor, Invalids & Social Affairs, attending the presentation on the National Targeted Program of Poverty Alleviation and visiting some key models of poverty reduction inside and outside Hanoi.

Day 6, 7, 8, the delegation had a long and interesting trip to the South. They had a workshop with the VBSP branch of Ho Chi Minh city to get understanding on the organizational structure, operation situation and loan facilities for poor households, relationship with mass organizations and socio-economic introduction on the city. Also, they attended the presentation by representatives of Department of Labor, war invalids and social affairs on implementation of policies for the poor in Ho Chi Minh.

During the study program, the delegation also explored the natural and cultural differences between the North and the South in Vietnam. Time was also spent to experience the culture, history and people of Vietnam, enjoy the fascinating and interesting city tours and shopping. 

On the last day in Ho Chi Minh, the closing workshop was held for evaluation and Q&A session, awarding the certificates to all participants before the farewell lunch. The PKSF participants expressed their heartfelt impression not only on the poverty alleviation achievements in Vietnam but also on the culture and people of Vietnam and the fourth study program further develops the fruitful relation and cooperation between two countries.