Tuesday, June 19 2018 19:44

ArmInfo. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) strengthens trade finance capacity in Central Asia Through Bank Twinning. ADB's Trade Finance Program (TFP) held its second TFPBank Twinning program in Central Asia between Ameriabank from Armenia and Hamkorbank from Uzbekistan, the press service of the bank informs.

The TFP Bank Twinning leverages the expertise and strength of TFP's  more advanced partner bank to train its twin bank by transferring  relevant trade finance operations knowledge. As one of the capacity  building instruments of ADB's TFP, this initiative provides more  tailor-fit institutional development support to trade finance banks.  It is also expected to forge closer regional business links, leading  to increased intra-regional trade and cooperation in developing Asia.

TBC Bank of Georgia and Citibank hosted and trained Bank Eskhata from  Tajikistan during the pilot launch of the TFP Bank Twinning in  November 2017. 

"ADB aims to provide a sustainable avenue in reinforcing the  capacity-building benefits of its Bank Twinning program, especially  for Hamkorbank. Both banks are TFP's important partners and we hope  that this opportunity will increase the trade finance operations of  Hamkorbank and support Ameriabank's exploration of new trade finance  opportunities," said TFP Relationship Manager at ADB Ms.  Nana  Khurodze.

According to the source ADB's TFP has supported over $116.5 million  in trade through 384 transactions in Armenia since 2012, 51% of which  have been small and medium-sized enterprises-related (SMEs) deals.  Meanwhile, TFP has supported over $1.3 billion in trade through 474  transactions in Uzbekistan since 2010, with 65% targeting SMEs. In  2017, ADB's TFP has supported over $1.6 billion in trade through 571  transactions in Central Asian countries, 75% of which have been  SME-related deals.  Ameriabank, the first TFP partner bank in Armenia  to use the revolving credit facility, has since successfully  implemented many trade finance transactions of strategic importance  to the Armenian economy. Using its large banking network and close  relations with major international financial institutions, coupled  with its flexible and innovative approach to trade finance  transactions, Ameriabank offers its customers tailored trade finance  solutions designed to service their best interests.  Hamkorbank is  the largest privately-owned bank located outside Tashkent and is the  market leader in remittances in Uzbekistan. Hamkorbank offers a wide  array of banking services with SMEs being 53% of its clientele.

"We welcome ADB's Bank Twinning initiative, the aim of which is to  support and aid the development of trade finance and expansion of  intra-regional banking relations. We are delighted with the  opportunity to share our long-standing experience and knowledge with  colleagues from Hamkorbank," said Ameriabank CJSC's Head of Trade  Finance Mr. Suren Kocharyan.

"For us, ADB has always been known not only as a financial but also  as a strategic partner. We have always welcomed its initiatives for  further support and collaboration among its partner banks. This is  certainly a unique experience for Hamkorbank to share hands-on  experience and seek ways of potential partnership with Ameriabank,"  said Hamkorbank CEO Mr. Jasur Hasanov.

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. 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.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and  the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally  sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it  is owned by 67 members-48 from the region. In 2017, ADB operations  totaled $32.2 billion, including $11.9 billion in cofinancing.