Kolkata: The Association of
Microfinance Institutions – West Bengal (AMFI-WB) will be organizing the 8th
Edition of Eastern India Microfinance Summit 2024 in Association with M2i,
Equifax, MFIN & Sa-Dhan. This year the theme of the Summit “Empowering the
poor: Microfinance as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development”. The 8th Eastern
India Microfinance Summit 2024 will be held on 22nd February 2024 from 9AM
onwards at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, HIDCO, New Town, Kolkata.
A
Team consisting of Dr. Alok Misra, CEO & Director, MFIN; Mr. Kuldip Maity,
MD & CEO, VFS Capital Ltd and Secretary, AMFI-WB; Mr. Manoj Nambiar, MD,
Arohan Financial Services Ltd.; Mr. Kartick Biswas, MD, Uttrayan Financial
Services Pvt. Ltd. along with other representatives of AMFI-WB were present to
brief the media about the Summit at the Press Conference at Kolkata Press Club.
This
year the Summit is expecting over 400 Leaders and senior officials from MFIs
(NGOs as well NBFCs, SFBs, BCs and Bank) which are operating in West Bengal,
Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and North Eastern States. The Summit is expecting over
60 MFIs from Eastern India. It aims to bring together the national and global
community of stakeholders, particularly lenders and Investors, to discuss
current and future aspects of financial inclusion, and how Microfinance plays
an important role as a Catalyst for a Sustainable Development of the society.
The
Summit will witness Delegates from Bangladesh and Nepal; Banks, Regulators, Ratings Agencies; Fintech,
IT, Software Companies; Insurance Companies; Researchers, Scholars and
Students; Energy Companies especially green energy providers and social
enterprises; Mobile Banking/Core Banking Solution Providers; Industry
association/network; Donor agencies/multilateral Institutions and International
Agencies; Consultancy firm, among others stakeholders.
Microfinance
is widely recognized as a powerful tool, contributing to and propelling towards
achieving sustainable development goals. Its multifaceted roles encompass some
of the key aspects instrumental in fostering sustainable development. Through
financial inclusion, microfinance democratizes access to capital, empowering
marginalized communities and amplifying economic participation. It contributes
to poverty alleviation, offering avenues for entrepreneurship and job creation.
Microfinance
also champions gender equality by providing women with access to financial
services. As a catalyst for change, microfinance intertwines financial
empowerment with social empowerment, paving the way towards a more inclusive
and sustainable future. This year's session is expected to be attended by the
MFIs practitioners, regulators and funders to discuss most pertinent issues
facing the sector.
The Association of Micro Finance
Institutions - West Bengal (AMFI - WB) is an
institution which endeavors to promote and develop microfinance in the state of
West Bengal. Founded as a self-regulatory organization, and registered as a
Public Charitable Trust in 2010, AMFI-WB encompasses a community of
microfinance organizations that operate in West Bengal. It was formed to
deliver better services to the poor, thereby helping these populations improve
their standards of living. AMFI-WB envisions a community of microfinance
institutions who are committed to initiating a significant change in the lives
of the poor, especially women. AMFI – WB currently caters to around 79 lakh
poor women by providing them with financial services, especially micro credit.
With a membership of 48 Micro Finance Institutions, bank, Fintech, IT,
Insurance, Health Service Providers, and Software companies etc., approximately
33000 employees who hail from lower economic background. AMFI-WB primary goals
include: encouraging MFIs to maintain healthy relationships with banks,
ensuring that MFIs stay on track and focused with the guideline prescribed to
them, and mediating between various government officials and other important
sector stakeholders. AMFI – WB regularly conducts stakeholder meets at the
district level, management development programs for its members, microfinance
industry-related seminars & workshops, and member meetings on matters of
mutual interest.
No comments:
Post a Comment