Converse Bank is a major sponsor of the EBRD Annual Meeting. We talked about the format of the Bank's participation in the event, participation in the field of socially responsible financing and expectations from the event with Hrant Hakobyan, the Bank's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Financial Director.
- Converse Bank has a rich experience of cooperation with EBRD. What areas has bilateral cooperation covered and how would you characterize it?
- Converse Bank has a long-term effective and comprehensive cooperation experience with the EBRD, within the framework of which the Bank implemented many projects aimed at the development of various sectors of the Armenian economy. The bank actively cooperates with the EBRD in the field of promoting international trade and financing SMEs. In particular, thanks to the involved resources, the inclusive program "Women in Business" was successfully implemented, as well as the SME financing program.
Thanks to them, the results recorded were highly appreciated by the EBRD itself, thanks to which Converse Bank was awarded the "Deal of the Year - Green Trade" award twice, and the "Important Partner of the EBRD" honorary award in the field of SME financing.
We also cooperate with the EBRD in the framework of professional capacity development and technical assistance programs.
- In what format does the Bank participate in the annual meeting, and what is the significance of the Bank's participation in this important event at the global level?
- The EBRD annual meeting is one of the most important economic events at the global level, which provides an opportunity to communicate with reputable professionals accepted by the international financial community, as well as with representatives of real sector companies involved in EBRD programs.
At the same time, this is a very binding event from an emotional point of view, because thanks to it, RA appears on the map of the global financial world.
EBRD in 2024 Converse Bank participates in the annual meeting not only as a representative of the Armenian financial sector, but also as a major sponsor of the event. Participation in an event of such a scale is consistent with the Bank's adopted strategy in terms of facing the current challenges, curbing risks and close cooperation with international and foreign structures for the further development of the Bank.
- A business conference entitled "Delivering Impact Together" will be held within the framework of the annual meeting, emphasizing unity and joint efforts to achieve maximum results. How do you see the place and role of Converse Bank in this concept and vision, and what responsibility is the Bank ready to take on?
- "Delivering Impact Together" - joint, unified agenda and efforts to overcome challenges.
The global economy today faces such challenges as climate change, cyber security, recent geopolitical developments, which are difficult to face independently and in isolation. In order to face the mentioned challenges, it is necessary to mobilize global knowledge and experience, create opportunities and platforms for exchange of experience and cooperation.
In this regard, I emphasize the business forum to be held within the framework of the EBRD annual meeting, which provides opportunities for new connections and new cooperation to the participants. Constantly represented on international platforms, Converse Bank is guided by the principle of satisfying the needs of customers in the best possible way, striving to create individual and innovative solutions for them, providing business development opportunities and access to financial resources.
- What is Converse Bank's strategy for establishing a stable, socially responsible business? What is the importance of socially responsible, sustainable financing and access to banking services in the product development process?
-Socially responsible financing, inclusiveness, containment of climate and environmental risks in the financing process are among Converse Bank's strategic priorities.
Based on this commitment, we have implemented a number of environmental, social and managerial principles in the Bank, on which the product development processes are based. In this area too, Converse Bank closely cooperates with EBRD and other institutional partners. In particular, I would like to mention the participation of relevant employees of the Bank in the Climate Practices and Transition Planning program implemented by the EBRD, which aims to acquire knowledge and practical skills in the field of climate risk management and transition planning.
- What are your expectations from the event and what prospects of cooperation do you see with EBRD?
- EBRD is a strategic partner of Converse Bank. We expect a new level of continued partnership, participation in a larger number of projects.
The annual meeting of the EBRD is a wonderful platform for learning about global economic and financial developments, participating in discussions on existing challenges and risk mitigation mechanisms, as well as establishing and expanding relations with international financial organizations and foreign banks. As in previous years, this year we expect a high rate of participation and new opportunities for cooperation.
We highly value our long-standing partnership with the EBRD and hope that it will be continuous, covering not only the traditional areas of cooperation, but also the partnership within the framework of other programs in line with the requirements and challenges of the time.
We are sure that thanks to this event, strong prerequisites for the further, continuous development of the economy and business will be created in Armenia.
- And in the end, what would you wish the participants of the event?
We wish the participants of the event to enjoy the Armenian hospitality, spend a wonderful time in our country, as well as productive meetings, interesting and meaningful discussions, agreements on new cooperations.
Converse Bank is controlled by the Central Bank of Armenia.
