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Meeting with the delegation from State Bank of Vietnam

(November 30 2012, in Japan)

The delegation from State Bank of Vietnam called on JFC-Micro in Tokyo in order to discuss the financial support by the policy-based financial institution and to acquire credit analysis expertise for SMEs. They showed high interests in "The loan program without guarantor or collateral" "Loan Program of Overseas Expansion Funds" and so on., They asked some questions about fund-raising methods and check points of credit analysis, in JFC-Micro business activities.

JICA "Financial and Technological Support for Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion(C)"

(November 28 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture in Osaka in Japan to eight administrative officers who were from Cambodia, China, Ethiopia, Kenya, Laos, Maldives, Mexico, Papua New Guinea., as a part of above seminar conducted by Pacific Resource Exchange Center.

The main concern of this lecture is regarding SME finance in Japan and a role of JFC-Micro as government financial institution. They showed high interests in "The loan program without guarantor or collateral". They asked some questions about fund-raising methods and check points of credit analysis, etc. in JFC-Micro business activities.

Meeting with the Delegation from Vietnam and the assistant program for SME of Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCC) in the economic crisis

(November 21 2012, in Japan)

The Delegation from Vietnam and the assistant program for SME of VCCI called on JFC-Micro and exchanged the information on SME finance. They visited Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan in order to discuss the financial support from Japanese Government for SMEs in economic crisis. They took advantage of this opportunity to visit JFC and to exchange the information on SME finance in Japan. They showed high interests in "The loan program without guarantor or collateral", "Supporting system for business start-ups" and "Overseas Expansion Funds". They asked some questions about fund-raising methods and check points of credit analysis, etc. in JFC-Micro business activities.

JICA "Financial and Technological Support for Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (B)"

(October22, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture at Head Office in Tokyo to five administrative officers who were from Georgia, Albania, Tunisia and Macedonia as a part of the above seminar coordinated by Pacific Resource Exchange Center.

The main content of this lecture was about SME finance in Japan and the role of JFC-Micro as a government financial institution. We provided participants with a case-study in which they considered whether they would approve an application or not. They asked lots of questions about "the loan program without guarantor or collateral" and "supporting system for business start-ups", showing high interests in SME finance.

Meeting with the Delegation of "Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC)" from Thailand

(October 10, 2012, in Japan)

The Delegation of BAAC from Thailand lead by Mr. Luck Wajananawat, President of BAAC called on JFC-Micro and exchanged the information on SME finance. They visited Japan in order to attend "The Annual IMF World Bank Meetings in Tokyo" which would be held this month. Taking advantage of this opportunity, they visited JFC and exchanged the information on SME finance in Japan. They showed high interests in "The loan program without guarantor or collateral", "Supporting system for business start-ups", and "Overseas Expansion Funds". They asked some questions about fund-raising methods and check points of credit analysis, etc. relevant to JFC-Micro business activities.

JICE "The study of key technical counseling and incubation policy for small and medium enterprise in Japan"

(September 27, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture at Head office to three administrative officers who were from Taiwan, as a part of above seminar conducted by Japan International Cooperation Center(JICE).

The main content of this lecture is about SME finance in Japan and a role of JFC-Micro as a government financial institution. Participants showed high interests in "the loan program without guarantor or collateral" and "supporting system for business start-ups". They asked many questions about JFC-Micro business activities to enhance publicity to customers.

JICA "Small and Medium Enterprise Development Policies (D)"

(September 11, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture in Takamatsu to eight administrative officers who were from Cameroon, Ethiopia, Namibia, Nigeria, as a part of above seminar conducted by Pacific Resource Exchange Center.

The main content of this lecture is about SME finance in Japan and a role of JFC-Micro as a government financial institution. Participants asked lots of questions about "the loan program without guarantor or collateral" and "supporting system for business start-ups" and showed high interests in SME finance.

APRACA-CENTRAB "International Study Visit Program on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise, the Japanese Way 2012"

(August 28, 30 and 31, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave lectures on the role of credit analysis of JFC-Micro to meet the request from Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) as a part of seminar conducted by APRACA. We conducted the same type of seminar in June 2010. This time, participants were seven members from India, Iran, Philippines and Sri Lanka. As they had not only classroom lectures but also had a chance of visiting a branch office and its client, the seminar became more practical.

Since participants consisted of bank officers including the central bank, they were interested in policy-based finance and credit analysis. They made comments, "Sharing such knowledge and experiences with other countries contributes to economic development of them" and "We do hope to keep in touch with JFC-Micro."

JICA "Financial and Technological Support for Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (A)"

(August 23, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture at Head Office in Tokyo to eight administrative officers who were from Bangladesh, El Salvador, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, as a part of above seminar conducted by Pacific Resource Exchange Center.

The main content of this lecture is about SME finance in Japan and a role of JFC-Micro as a government financial institution. Participants asked lots of questions about "the loan program without guarantor or collateral" and "supporting system for business start-ups". They showed high interests in SME finance.

PRI "The Summer Seminar for Central Asian and Caucasian Countries"

(August 15, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro conducted a lecture to meet the request from the Policy Research Institute (PRI), Ministry of Finance, Japan. The 15 participants, government officials of Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Armenia, Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, were visiting Japan to study the Japanese theories and practices of fiscal administration, tax system and finance. Through the explanation of SME Finance and the role of JFC-Micro, the participants showed high interest in SME finance in Japan and asked some questions proactively, such as JFC-Micro's function.

JICA "The Policy of Regional Industry Promotion for South East European Countries" Seminar

(July 17-18, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave two-day lecture at Head Office in Tokyo to six administrative officers who were from Albania, Republic of Kosovo, Republic of Serbia, Montenegro, Kazakhstan, Republic of Macedonia, as a part of above the seminar conducted by Hiroshima International Center.

In this presentation, JFC-Micro delivered lectures on mainly SME finance in Japan and role of JFC-Micro as a policy-based financial institution. Participants asked many questions about "loan programs without guarantor or collateral" and "loan program for business start-ups." In addition to this, in the case study, they actively exchanged opinions.

[Project for Lao Development Bank (LDB)] 2nd Seminar in Japan

(June 4-15, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro conducted a two-week seminar for 20 participants from LDB that consists of executives in head office and branch managers. This is the part of technical cooperation for LDB and carried out by Policy research Institute of Ministry of Finance, Japan as an ODA project.

LDB members deepened their understanding on credit analysis know-how to SMEs and human resource development, etc. through lectures and visits. This project lasts until 2014, and for our next step, we will have an interim evaluation around this fall in Lao.

The Japan-China Society, INC "Small Business Managements Seminar"

(Mar. 9, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture at Libra Center in Tokyo to 18 people who work for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the local government and the financial institutions. This lecture was performed about mainly SME finance in Japan and characteristics of loan programs of JFC-Micro. Participants showed high interests in activities and function of not only JFC-Micro but also financial institutions in Japan. Furthermore, they asked questions about low interest loan program without collateral or guarantor conducted by JFC-Micro.

JICA "Necessary Policy Measure and Reform Strategies for Financial System Stability in NIS countries" Seminar

(Mar. 6, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture at JICA Tokyo International Center to 17 government officers and Bank employees who were from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

In this lecture, the main contents are about SME finance in Japan and a role of JFC-Micro as a government financial institution. Participants showed high interest in "funding sources for loans", "loan program without guarantor nor collateral" and "support for business start-ups."

JICA "the Group Training Course on Small and Medium Enterprise Development Policies (B)"

(February 28, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture at Head Office in Tokyo to nine administrative officers who were from Belize, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Jamaica, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macedonia, Montenegro, Palestine, as a part of above seminar conducted by Pacific Resource Exchange Center.

The main content of this lecture is about SME finance in Japan and a role of JFC-Micro as a government financial institution. Participants asked lots of questions about "the loan program without guarantor or collateral" and "supporting system for business start-ups" and showed high interests in the future aspect of SME finance.

APRACA-CENTRAB "International Exposure Visit Program on Agricultural Finance and Credit Business Cooperatives" Seminar

(February 9, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture at Head office in Tokyo to twelve officers on agricultural finance and credit business who were from Bhutan, India, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Tanzania as a part of above seminar conducted by APRACA.

This lecture was conducted about mainly SME finance in Japan and a role of JFC-Micro as a policy-based financial institution. Among participants, there were some officers working on the board of directors for central banks. They showed high interests not only in the present state and the action-course of policy-based finance but in "the loan program without guarantor or collateral," "supporting system for business start-ups."

JICA "the Group Training Course on Small and Medium Enterprise Development Policies (A)"

(January 30, 2012, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture in JICA Osaka International Center to eleven government officers and bank employees who came from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Columbia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Uruguay and Mexico as a part of above seminar conducted by Pacific Resource Exchange Center.

JFC-Micro delivered a lecture on mainly SME finance in Japan and the role of JFC-Micro as a policy-based financial institution. Participants showed high interests not only in no guarantor or collateral loan program and loan program for business start-ups, but also in credit analysis methods such as collateral evaluation.

JICA "Small & Medium Enterprise Development Policies"

(December 6, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture in its head office to seven administrative officers in charge of small and medium enterprise development policies. They came from Argentina, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and Paraguay. In this lecture, a wide range of questions about funding sources, non performing loans and overseas expansion etc. were asked. Especially, they showed a high interests in loan program for business start-ups.

JICA "Food Safety Policy Making and Management" Seminar

(December 5, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture in JICA Tokyo International Center to six administrative officers who came from Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kyrgyz and Myanmar as a part of above seminar conducted by JICA. Participants are administrative officers who are involved in food safety management and medical supplies management.

Especially they showed high interests on capital procurement, JFC-Micro's loans for Environmental Health Business and so-called MARUKEI Loan (loan without guarantor or collateral). Although this lecture was as short as ninety minutes, very active questions and answers were carried out.

JICA "Youth Program in Shizuoka"

(December 2, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture in Shizuoka to thirteen government officers and bankers who came from Argentina, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela as a part of above seminar conducted by Shizuoka City Association for Multicultural Exchange. Participants showed high interests on small business policy in Japan and "Loan Program for Business Start-ups" performed by JFC-Micro. They exchanged opinions actively with a lecturer.

JICA "Financial & Technical Support for Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion"

(November 25, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture in Osaka to 12 government officers who were from Afghanistan, Albania, China, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kenya, Laos and Mexico as a part of above seminar conducted by Pacific Resource Exchange Center.

In this lecture, JFC-Micro delivered a lecture on mainly SME finance in Japan and a role of JFC-Micro as a policy-based financial institution. Participants showed high interests in "loan programs without guarantor nor collateral" and "loan program for business start-ups."

JICA "Youth Seminar for Central Asian and Caucasian Countries"

(November 24, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro conducted a lecture on "the characteristics of JFC-Micro's operation" corresponding to a request from Junior Executive Council of Japan. 15 participants who came from 3 countries (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan) are engaged in promoting SME development. They seemed to show much interest in the JFC-Micro's significant role in terms of backing up SME development. Some of them also commented that JFC-Micro's distinguished methods of SME finance might be one of the clues in making SME finance more facilitating.

JICA "SME Exhibition"

(November 16, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 12 administrative officers from Vietnam. This time, led by JICA expert, they conducted a study tour to learn SME finance in Japan and roles of JFC-Micro. Moreover, we exchanged our ideas regarding the way of supports for SMEs which are going to expand their operations overseas.

In recent years, Vietnam steps up its presence among Japanese SMEs. In response to the needs of such SMEs, both have agreed to work in close cooperation for gathering local information in Vietnam.

Accepting Study Group from Korean Federation of Credit Guarantee Foundations

(November 14, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 19 officials of Korean Federation of Credit Guarantee Foundations. The foundation supports SMEs in South Korea through the credit guarantee. This time, the foundation conducted a study tour to learn the general condition of SMEs in Japan and the way financial institutions support them. JFC-Micro explained their activities for supporting business start-ups and SMEs through the policy-based finance. The participant showed high interest in JFC-Micro's loan program without no guarantor or collateral, and they asked a lot of questions.

JICA Youth Program "Economic Administration (Industrial Development and Promotion)"

(October 14, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture on SME finance in Japan and roles and functions of JFC-Micro to 18 government officials who came to Japan as a part of the above program. The participants are engaged in economic administration or industrial development/promotion in their respective institutions. They showed high interests on our roles as a policy-based financial institution, and actively exchanged opinions with lecturers even after the lecture.

JICA "Project on Human Resources Development for SME Corporation Malaysia"

(October 7, 2011, in Japan)

International Cooperation Office gave a lecture to the staff of SME Corporation Malaysia, regarding SME finance in Japan and roles and functions of JFC-Micro. The participants visited Japan to learn the activities for promoting SMEs in order to enhance their knowledge and capabilities for advising SMEs in Malaysia. The participants showed high interest in JFC-Micro's role which supports SMEs by view point from policy-based finance.

Meeting with Special Representative of WSBI

(September 7, 2011, in Japan)

Mr. Chris De Noose, Managing Director of World Savings Banks Institute (WSBI), visited Mr. Daito, Chief of ICO, and had an exchange of views with each institution's activities for enhancing SME financing and possibility of future collaboration. WSBI is one of the largest international banking associations and the only global voice of savings and socially committed retail banking.

Mr. Noose showed high interests in JFC-Micro's policy-based financing for SMEs in Japan, and both sides agreed to be going to share information about various efforts to improve financial access for SMEs.

JICA "Financial and Technical Support for Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (A)"

(September 6, 2011, in Japan)

International Cooperation Office conducted a lecture about the Characteristics of JFC-Micro's Operation corresponding to a request from Pacific Resource Exchange Center. 12 Participants who came from 8 countries (Bangladesh, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Tunisia) are engaged in promoting SME development.

They seemed to show much interest in the JFC-Micro's significant role of policy-based Finance and especially to pay attention to MARUKEI Loans for which neither collateral nor guarantor are required, loan program for business start-ups and Educational Loans. Very active questions and answers were conducted by meeting participants' request that lecture time would be extended more than 30 minutes.

PRI "The Summer Seminar for Central Asian and Caucasian Countries"

(August 10, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave one of the lectures at the above seminar conducted by the Policy Research Institute (PRI), Ministry of Finance, Japan. The 15 participants, government officials of Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and Republic of Uzbekistan, were visiting Japan to study the Japanese theories and practices of fiscal administration, tax system and finance. Through the explanation of SME Finance and role of JFC-Micro, the participants showed high interest in JFC-Micro's credit analysis, and asked many questions. After the lecture, the participants visited Tokyo branch office to see the actual operation from loan application to repayment.

JICA "The Policy of Regional Industry Promotion for South East European Countries" Seminar

(July 12-13, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave two-day lecture to six government officers who were from South-east European countries: Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Serbia, as a part of above seminar conducted by Hiroshima International Center. In the lecture, JFC-Micro delivered SME finance in Japan, a role of JFC-Micro as a policy-based financial institution and support for business start-ups, etc., through presentations and case studies.

Participants showed high interests in the role of JFC-Micro and exchanged their ideas actively in the case study session.

[Technical Cooperation for VBSP] Seminar in Japan

(May 24-27, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro and Policy Research Institute (PRI) of Ministry of Finance, Japan held a 4-day seminar in Japan for seven staff of Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP). This seminar is a part of third phase of technical cooperation for VBSP, which purpose is to establish an independent training course on credit analysis in VBSP.

The program of this seminar was designed for training instructor, and the participants learned the system of human development and training programs in JFC-Micro through lectures and discussions. They also visited Tokyo-chuo branch and training center of JFC-Micro. Next, we are going to prepare for the final goal of this project.

JICA "Necessary Policy Measures and Reform Strategies for Financial System Stability in NIS Countries"

(March 7, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 15 officials of central banks, etc., in New Independent States (NIS), who participated the above program conducted by JICA Tokyo. JFC-Micro explained SME finance in Japan and roles of JFC-Micro as well as loan programs such as MARUKEI Loan, etc. Participants showed high interest on JFC-Micro's various activities in supporting MSEs as well as business start-ups.

Meeting with the Delegation of Vietin Bank

(March 4, 2011, in Japan)

The Delegation of Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry And Trade (Vietin Bank), lead by Mr. Tuan,Vice General Director of Vietin Bank, made a courtesy call to Mr. Yamazaki, Managing Executive Officer of JFC-Micro, and exchanged the information on SME finance. As Vietin Bank and JFC are member of APEC Financial Institutions Dealing with SMEs, last May, JFC-Micro visited Vietin Bank and had a seminar on SME Finance of JFC-Micro. This time, to expand the SME financing, Vietin Bank visited Japan and asked JFC-Micro to exchange the information on SME finance. Moreover, in order to deepen the cooperation between two organizations, both agreed on discussing the possibilities of advanced cooperation.

JICA "Small and Medium Enterprises Development Policies (C)"

(March 3, 2011, in Japan)

ICO conducted a lecture about "the characteristics of JFC-Micro's operation" corresponding to a request from Pacific Resource Exchange Center. Eight participants, who came from six countries (Cambodia, Ethiopia, Laos, Myanmar, Solomon Islands and Zimbabwe) are engaged in promoting SME development.

They seemed to show much interest in the JFC-Micro's significant role in terms of backing up SME development. Some of them also commented that JFC-Micro's distinguished methods of SME finance might be one of the clues in making SME finance more facilitating.

JICA "Reinforcement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Supporting Organization for African Countries"

(February 23-24, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a two-day lecture for officials from 9 African countries (Republic of Cameroon, Republic of Ghana, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Mozambique, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of Senegal, United Republic of Tanzania, and Republic of Uganda). The participants were visiting Japan for the above program which is conducted by Hiroshima International Center. They showed high interest on JFC-Micro's quick decision making system to respond the needs of MSEs as well as business start-ups. During the case study for business start-ups, they conducted simulated credit analysis, and actively discussed about the points in assessing enterprises.

APRACA-CENTRAB Study Visit Program in Japan 2011

(February 17, 2011, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a one-day lecture to officers of APRACA (The Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association) member institutions and Tanzanian government officers in the above program, organized by the JFC, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food business Unit. In their countries, they are interested in not only agricultural finance but also Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) finance. Therefore, JFC-Micro was given an opportunity to make presentation. The participants showed great interest in our operations, such as supporting MSEs and business start-ups, as a policy-based financial institution. They also commented that they understood the importance of JFC-Micro for sustaining development of MSEs in Japan.

JICA "Small and Medium Enterprises Development Policies(B)"

(January 24, 2011, in Japan)

Based on a request from Pacific Resource Exchange Center, JFC-Micro made a presentation to nine officials, who are engaged in the SME development, from six countries (Bhutan, Cameroon, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka).The participants valued the role and function of JFC-micro as a policy-based financial institution. In addition, they also commented that the approaches of JFC-Micro's support towards SMEs could be of some help for the development of SMEs in their countries.

Discussion with Professors of Kuwait University

(January 6, 2011, in Japan)

Dr. Ali Salem Arifa and Dr. Ahmad Mouneer Najjar, professors of College of Business Administration, Kuwait University, visited JFC-Micro and had a meeting with Mr. Morita, Chief of ICO, and Mr. Fukanuma, Principal Economist of JFC Research Institute(JFCRI). Two professors came to Japan to study the current SME support policies in Japan. They were interested in JFC-Micro's policy lending and various researches on micro and small businesses by JFCRI, and expected further information exchange and research cooperation.

JICA "Project on Human Resource Development for SME Corporation Malaysia"

(December 8, 2010, in Japan)

JICA asked ICO to give a lecture to the staff of SME Corp. Malaysia, which is in charge of promoting SME development in Malaysia. This project aims to provide them with the advisory service for SME, etc. in Japan. Having had the lecture, the participants deepened their understanding on SME finance and policy-based finance in Japan. In addition, they showed high interest in the "Technical Cooperation for SME Bank, Malaysia", which was conducted by Policy Research Institute, Ministry of Finance, Japan, and JFC-Micro as an ODA project.

JICA "Economic Administration (Industrial Development and Promotion)"

(December 6, 2010, in Japan)

ICO, JFC-Micro carried out a lecture about the role of policy-based financial institution to eighteen government officials who were led by Junior Executive Council of Japan. As they are in charge of industrial promotion in each country, they were deeply impressed by the crucial role of JFC-Micro backing up various kinds of MSEs which are basic components of supporting industry in Japan. Some of the participants also commented that JFC-Micro's supporting scheme for business start-ups is highly significant in terms of economic revitalization.

JICA "Small & Medium Enterprise Development Policies for Central and South America" Seminar

(November 30 - December 1, 2010, in Japan)

JFC-Micro conducted two-day seminar, a part of the above seminar, which is conducted by Hiroshima International Center (refer to the table as follows). Seven participants, from seven countries in Central and South America (Republic of Chile, Republic of Columbia, Republic of Costa Rica, Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Guatemala, Republic of Nicaragua, Republic of Paraguay), are engaged in Promoting SME development in their countries. During the lecture, participants were actively exchanging their opinion through comparing the method of JFC-Micro and their countries.

JICA "Training Course on Credit Guarantee System in Japan"

(November 11, 2010, in Japan)

Eight government officers of the central bank and other ministries in Indonesia, who participated in the above course, visited JFC-Micro. This training course aimed at obtaining knowledge on overall system of credit guarantee and SME finance in Japan. The trainees took lectures about key points of credit analysis for small businesses as well as the outline of JFC-Micro. They seemed to recognize that the credit analysis methodology for small businesses is different from that for upper-middle or large enterprises.

JICA "Training Program for Young Leaders in Malaysia"

(November 2, 2010, in Japan)

Corresponding to the request from Junior Executive Council of Japan, JFC-Micro conducted a lecture regarding "the role of JFC-Micro as a policy-based financial institution." The participants who are in charge of industrial promotion in Malaysia, showed deep interests on the JFC-Micro's crucial role in terms of developing local supporting industries. Some of the participants also commented that JFC-Micro's international cooperation activities providing expertise of SME finance are significant and meaningful, when we introduced our technical cooperation for SME Bank, Malaysia.

JICA "Small and Medium Enterprise Development Policies (A)"

(October 7, 2010, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture at the above seminar, which is conducted by Pacific Resource Exchange Center (PREX), on SME finance in Japan and roles of JFC-Micro as a policy-based financial institution. As the 12 participants from 8 countries (Argentina, Chile, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Tunisia, Turkey, and Uruguay) are engaged in promoting development of SMEs in their countries, they seemed to be highly interested in JFC-Micro's efforts which complement the activities of private sectors. Some of them commented that they were surprised at the fact JFC-Micro supports large percentage of micro and small businesses in Japan.

JICA "Financial and Technological Support for Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (B)"

(September 10, 2010, in Japan)

JFC-Micro conducted a lecture to eleven government officials who were lead by the Pacific Resource Exchange Center (PREX). They are from eight countries (Afghanistan, El Salvador, Kenya and Syria, etc.) and are responsible for promoting SME development in their countries. The participants understood the role of a policy-based finance and the JFC-Micro's unique approaches, such as no collateral or guarantors loans. The participants showed high interests in JFC-Micro's activities, and after the lecture, they asked JFC-Micro to provide its know-how on the field of SME finance to the overseas.

JICA "Seminar for Food Safety Policy Making and Management"

(September 6, 2010, in Japan)

In response to the request from Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, JFC-Micro gave a lecture to five government officials in four countries (Republic of Chile, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, United Mexican States and Republic of Serbia).

The participants who are in charge of food hygiene policy making showed high interests in JFC-Micro's loan programs for SMEs in food sanitation industry.

They also listened carefully to a topic that some of current worldwide leading companies in Japan utilized JFC-Micro's loan in their initial stage.

As a whole, the lecture was highly evaluated by the participants.

PRI "The Summer Seminar for Central Asian and Caucasian Countries"

(August 12, 2010, in Japan)

JFC-Micro made a presentation to 16 government officials from Ministry of Finance in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. They visited JFC-Micro as part of the above seminar organized by the Policy Research Institute (PRI) of Ministry of Finance, Japan. In the lecture, they showed high interests in the JFC-Micro's support for business start-ups and understood its important role as a policy-based financial institution. After the lecture, they visited its Tokyo branch office and learned the actual operation. They deepened their understanding on JFC-Micro through the lecture and the visit.

JICA "The Policy of Regional Industry Promotion for South East European Countries" Seminar

(June 29-30, 2010, in Japan)

Based on the request from Hiroshima International Center which organizes the above JICA seminar, JFC-Micro conducted following lectures this year.

Seminar participants were government officials, who were in charge of industrial promotion, in 3 countries (Republic of Albania, Montenegro and Ukraine) and fully recognized the importance of finance for such promotion. They were especially interested in JFC-Micro's support for business start-ups and Managerial Improvement Loans (MARUKEI Loans). In the last session, they actively worked in the case study and learned many things.

Accepting the study group from Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

(June 24, 2010, in Japan)

In response to JICA's request, JFC-Micro made a lecture to six executives from the Ethiopian government. They were visiting several organizations for SME development in order to learn Japanese industrial policies and get a clue to design their new strategies for SMEs. In the lecture, they listened positively and understood JFC-Micro's unique approach for SME finance.

[APRACA-CENTRAB] MSE Seminar

(June 14-18, 2010, in Japan)

Responding to a request from Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association Center for Training and Research in Agricultural Banking (APRACA-CENTRAB*), JFC-Micro hosted a seminar "International Study Visit Program on MSE Finance, the Japanese Way" for executives from central banks, agricultural banks, etc. in Asia Pacific region for the first time.

* CENTRAB is an official training and research institution of APRACA.

Background

APRACA is a non-governmental organization mainly composed of central banks, agricultural banks, etc. in Asia Pacific region. Since MSE finance and agricultural finance are not always distinguished in many countries, MSE finance is one of the concerns among APRACA member institutions. Therefore, JFC-Micro has participated as one of the lecturers of "APRACA-CENTRAB International Study Visit Program (agricultural finance)", which is hosted every year by JFC, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Business Unit (AFC-Unit).

In June 2009, CENTRAB asked about the possibility for JFC-Micro to host a seminar specialized in MSE finance. Then, Mr. Morita, chief of ICO, visited its headquarters in Manila to discuss with Atty. Garcia, Managing Director of CENTRAB. As a result, both sides agreed to hold this seminar in Japan.

Program of the Seminar

Participants were nine executives from five countries (India, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of the Philippines, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Kingdom of Thailand) who are engaged in MSE finance or agricultural finance in their countries. The 5-day seminar contains various approaches such as lectures, visits to JFC-Micro's branch offices and related institutions, etc. The participants commented that the seminar was helpful to understand how Japan has succeeded in nurturing and promoting MSEs, and that JFC-Micro should continue to hold seminars like this.

JICA "Financial and Technological Support for Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (A)"

(June 8, 2010, in Japan)

In response to a request from Pacific Resource Exchange Center (PREX), which was supporting the above seminar, JFC-Micro made a presentation to 16 government officials who are in charge of SME development in 12 countries (India, People's Republic of China, Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Mongolia, etc.). The participants asked a lot of questions during the presentation, and understood well about the importance of financial support for SMEs. In addition, they highly evaluated the policy-based finance in Japan and role of JFC-Micro.

Accepting Study Group from Korea

(May 14, 2010, in Japan)

JFC-Micro accepted a study group which comprised executives and researchers of National Credit Union Federation of Korea, etc. and conducted a one-day lecture. Though they originally visited Japan to participate in another seminar, they requested JFC-Micro to explain the practice of financing to SMEs in Japan. The participants showed a lot of interest in JFC-Micro's operations and made the best use of the time by asking a lot of questions.

Meeting with Senior Government Official of the Republic of Uzbekistan

(April 20, 2010, in Japan)

Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov, acting chairman of the State Property Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, visited JFC-Micro and had a meeting with Mr. Yamazaki, Managing Executive Officer. In 2002, Mr. Abdukhakimov took a three-week training course in JFC-Micro to learn financial methods for SMEs. The Uzbekistan government has an emphasis on development of SMEs in the private sector, and Mr. Abdukhakimov is partly responsible for the policy. In the meeting, both sides confirmed to continue mutual information exchange in the field of SME support.

Accepting Executives of the Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP), Thailand

(March 10, 2010, in Japan)

Following the visit in November 2009, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Director-General of OSMEP came to JFC-Micro again with his colleagues. This was to learn the details of JFC-Micro's Managerial Improvement Loan. This time, based on the request from the OSMEP side, JFC-Micro invited an official of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Together with Mr. Inoue, Chief of JFC-Micro's Managerial Improvement Loan Division, he explained the scheme of the loan and answered the questions from the OSMEP side.

JICA "Small and Medium Enterprise Development(C)"

(March 5, 2010, in Japan)

In response to the request from Pacific Resource Exchange Center (PREX), which is the organizer of the above seminar, JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 12 government officials from 9 countries on the theme of "SME finance in Japan and role of JFC-Micro". Although it would appear that the situation of SME varies in participants' home countries, all of them seemed to feel the necessity for the improvement of financial access for SMEs. They also commented that Japanese SME finance system is quite informative.

JICA "Necessary Policy Measures and Reform Strategies for Financial System Stability in NIS Countries"

(March 2, 2010, in Japan)

Responding to a request from JICA Tokyo, JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 18 officials of central banks, etc. in New Independent States (NIS). JFC-Micro explained its roles as a policy-based financial institution, and participants showed a high interest especially in its activities which support not only small companies but also entrepreneurs without any business performance. During the lecture, the participants deepened their understanding by asking a lot of questions.

JICA "Reinforcement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Supporting Organization for African Countries"

(February 23, 2010, in Japan)

Responding to the request from Hiroshima International Center, JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 10 government officials in 7 African countries (Republic of Ghana, Republic of Kenya, etc.), who were visiting Japan to learn some measures for nurturing and promoting SMEs. Since the participants belong to the organizations for supporting SMEs in their countries, they were highly interested in JFC-Micro's policy-based finance for SMEs, and asked many questions actively.

APRACA-CENTRAB International Study Visit Program in Japan 2010

(February 19, 2010, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture to the 6 officers of APRACA member institutions in Pakistan and the Philippines who came to Japan to participate in the above Study Visit conducted by Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Business (AFC) Unit of JFC. Although the participants engage in agricultural finance in governmental institutions and an NGO, their operations are related to SME finance. Therefore, JFC-Micro was invited to make a presentation on that matter. After being explained about SME finance in Japan and the role of JFC-Micro, the participants showed a high interest in the contents.

"The Training Program on Functional Enhancement for Chambers of Commerce and Industry"

(February 9, 2010, in Japan)

Based on the request from the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and the Association for Overseas Technical Scholarship (AOTS), JFC-Micro gave a lecture. Participants were 21 management level officers of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCIs), etc. of 9 Asian Countries, such as Kingdom of Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic. JFC-Micro explained its Managerial Improvement Loan, which requires made based on the collaboration with CCIs in Japan, as well as the role of JFC-Micro. The participants seemed to understand very well.

JICA "Small and Medium Enterprise Development(B)"

(January 27,2010, in Japan)

In response to the request from Pacific Resource Exchange Center (PREX), JFC-Micro gave a lecture to the 8 government officials in 8 countries, such as Republic of Cameroon, Republic of Vanuatu, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, etc. JFC-Micro is the only financial institution to be visited during their stay. So they asked a lot of questions about JFC-Micro's actual operations and so on. They were highly interested in JFC-Micro's activities and seemed to get some tips on how to promote SMEs in their countries.

JICA "Training Course for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development & Energy Efficiency Finance"

(January 26,2010, in Japan)

As part of the above seminar, which Japan Economic Research Institute Inc. (JERI) commissioned, JFC-Micro gave a one-day lecture to officers of Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), etc. SIDBI is a government-related financial institution for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India. In the morning, JFC-Micro explained its role as well as the situation of SME finance in Japan.

Participants were highly interested especially in JFC-Micro's "Managerial Improvement Loan (MARUKEI Loan)." Then in the afternoon, JFC-Micro introduced its credit analysis in details by showing a case example. Though it was a long lecture, the participants listened to it seriously until the end and positively evaluated it.

[Technical Cooperation for SME Bank, Malaysia] Seminar in Japan

(January 25-29, 2010, in Japan)

JFC-Micro and Policy Research Institute (PRI) of Ministry of Finance (MOF), Japan held a 5-day seminar in Japan for seven staff of SME Bank, Malaysia. This seminar is a part of technical cooperation for SME Bank, Malaysia aimed at improvement of their credit analysis. Following the 1st seminar in Kuala Lumpur in December 2008, this seminar is held for the first time in Japan. Its program contains lectures by Business Start-ups Support Department in the Head Quarter and visits to branch offices, in order to learn and see JFC-Micro's operations regarding credit analysis. Through the seminar, participants deepened their understanding of such operations, and learned many things to improve their credit analysis (Comments from a participant).

JICA "Policy Measures for Ensuring Financial System Stability"

(January 20, 2010, in Japan)

In response to the request from JICA Tokyo, JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 7 officials of the governments (Ministry of Finance, Central Bank, etc.)in 6 African countries, such as Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Republic of Mauritius, etc. Participants are in charge of stabilization and development of Financial System in their countries. They are highly interested in the policy-based finance to SMEs in Japan. Also, they understood the role and function of JFC-Micro through the lecture and Q&A session.

JICA Youth Program "Administrative Management"

(December 16, 2009, in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 16 government officials in Malaysia at the above seminar conducted by Junior Executive Council of Japan. In the lecture, JFC-Micro introduced its roles and functions as a policy-based financial institution as well as its international cooperation activities which provides its experience and know-how on MSE finance. Particularly, participants were interested in Technical Cooperation for SME Bank, Malaysia, as an ODA project by Policy Research Institute (PRI) of Ministry of Finance (MOF), Japan.

JICA "Small & Medium Enterprise Development Policies for Central and South America"

(December 1-2, 2009 in Japan)

Responding to the request from Hiroshima International Center, which conducts above seminar, JFC-Micro gave a 2-day lecture to 7 government officials in 4 Central and South American countries (Republic of Colombia, Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Guatemala and Republic of Paraguay). Participants are in charge of promoting policies for SME development in their countries. On the first day, ICO staff made a presentation about roles and functions of JFC-Micro. Then, the next day, ICO staff explained its credit analysis by using a case study. The case was about credit analysis for a loan applicant who is planning to start a restraint. During the lecture, the participants showed much interest by expressing their opinions and asking a lot of questions. They found value in the lecture because its contents were useful for SME development policies in their countries.

Seminar on Development and Promotion of SMEs in South-Eastern Europe

(November 25, 2009 in Japan)

In response to the request from Pacific Resource Exchange Center (PREX), which conducts above seminar, JFC-Micro made a presentation on SME finance in Japan and operations of JFC-Micro. The participants were eight government officials from South-Eastern European countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Albania, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Serbia and Ukraine). They understood the importance of supporting SMEs in Japan and were highly interested in JFC-Micro's mission.

Accepting Executives of Ministry of Industry and the Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP), Thailand

(November 5, 2009 in Japan)

After attending the SME Expo, executives of Ministry of Industry (Mr. Pramode Vidtayasak, Deputy Permanent Secretary and others) and OSMEP visited JFC (JFC-Micro and SME Unit). From JFC-Micro, Mr. Inoue, Chief of Managerial Improvement Loan Division, explained the role of JFC-Micro and its characteristic "Management Improvement Loan" in details. As the explanation was very clear, the executives gave applause to him.

JICA "Small and Medium Enterprise Development Policies (A)"

(October 21, 2009 in Japan)

A study group led by Pacific Resource Exchange Center (PREX) visited JFC-Micro. ICO staff gave a lecture to 10 government officials, who are in charge of development of SMEs, from 9 countries (Argentine Republic, Republic of Chile, Republic of Mauritius, etc.). During the lecture, the lecturer and participants had a very active discussion under the common understanding that SMEs play a very important role for the economic development in each country.

JICA Youth Program "Economic Administration (Industrial Development and Promotion)"

(September 8, 2009 in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 18 government officials in China, who were visiting Japan under the above program conducted by Junior Executive Council of Japan. Participants seemed impressed in the roles and functions of JFC-Micro, which complement the activities of private financial institutions. In addition, they were highly interested in credit analysis method of JFC-Micro, and asked a lot of questions.

JICA "Seminar for Food Safety Policy Making and Management"

(September 7, 2009 in Japan)

Responding to a request from Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 6 government officials from 6 countries (Republic of Ghana, Malaysia, etc.). In the lecture, JFC-Micro explained the situation of policy-based financing in Japan and activities of JFC-Micro in the field of food safety. Participants were highly interested in the fact that JFC-Micro fulfills the policy-based functions in the field of food safety.

Lecture for Agricultural Development Bank of China(ADBC)

(September 4, 2009 in Japan)

ADBC is a government-affiliated financial institution mainly for agricultural industries in China. The former Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Finance Corporation (current JFC's Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Business (AFC) Unit) reached the agreement for cooperation with ADBC in 1988. Since then, both organizations have sent their employees to each other every year for research, etc. This time, other than AFC Unit, JFC-Micro conducted a lecture to 5 employees of ADBC, because ADBC conducts financing to SMEs and they have a huge number of customers, just like JFC-Micro. The lecture was about the role of policy-based financial institutions like JFC-Micro in Japan and the characteristics of our business loans. The participants asked a lot of questions during the presentation and showed their high interests in our operations.

PRI "The Summer Seminar for Central Asian and Caucasian Countries"

(August 13, 2009 in Japan)

11 Participants of the seminar above, which was held by Policy Research Institute (PRI) of Japan's Ministry of Finance, visited JFC-Micro. Most of them were officers of Ministry of Finance in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyz, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. As they were highly interested in actual operations of SME finance in Japan, JFC-Micro took them to its Tokyo Branch as well as gave a lecture to them. They understood JFC-Micro's operations well and highly evaluated its know-how.

JICA Seminar for Food Safety Management, China

(July 24, 2009 in Japan)

In response to the request from Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, JFC-Micro gave a lecture on financing to the food industries to five Chinese government officers, who are in charge of food sanitation. The purpose of their visit is learning Japanese approaches towards food safety. Through the lecture, the participants were interested in policy-based finance, which supports the improvement of foods sanitation standards.

JICA "The Policy of Regional Industry Promotion for South-east European Countries" Seminar

(July 1, 2009 in Japan)

As part of the above seminar, which was entrusted by Hiroshima International Center, JFC Micro gave a lecture in Hiroshima to six government officers who were from South-east European countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro. This lecture was done following the previous one in Tokyo in June 15. This time, JFC-Micro explained its credit analysis by using some case studies. Though it was a long lecture for a whole day, participants actively took part in the case studies by calculating some figures and expressing their opinions.

JICA Training Course for SME Promotion Policy (Vietnam)

(June 18, 2009 in Japan)

Eight officials of the central and local government of Vietnam, who are in charge of SME policy, visited JFC-Micro as part of the training program in Japan. Although the main purpose of the training was to learn managerial support measures for SMEs in Japan, the program included a lecture on SME finance by JFC-Micro since financial support are closely linked to managerial support. Trainees took a lecture from International Cooperation Office, and expressed considerable interest in JFC's "Managerial Improvement Loans," the loan scheme which links managerial support with financial support.

JICA "The Policy of Regional Industry Promotion for South-east European Countries" Seminar

(June 15, 2009 in Japan)

In response to the request from Hiroshima International Center, JFC-Micro staff made a presentation to six government officers who are from South-east European countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro. Participants understood the importance of the financing to SMEs and were interested in JFC-Micro's mission. As part of the same seminar, JFC-Micro is supposed to give a lecture on its credit analysis next month.

JICA "Seminar on Small and Medium Enterprise Development Policies"

(June 10, 2009 in Japan)

Based on a request from Pacific Resource Exchange Center (PREX), which organized the above seminar, JFC-Micro staff made a presentation to ten government officials who are in charge of SME development in ten countries (Republic of Croatia, Republic of El Salvador, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, etc.). After listening to the presentation very carefully, they made a lot of questions to the staff. The question-and-answer session was favorably heated and continued for about an hour.

Accepting Rural Finance System Researchers from China

(April 22, 2009 in Japan)

Based on the request from Norinchukin Research Institute, JFC-Micro ICO accepted two Chinese researchers and gave them a lecture on SME finance in Japan and role of JFC-Micro. Those researchers are professor of China Agriculture University and associate professor of The University of International Business and Economies, who are researching rural finance system in Japan. Their study includes SME finance sector; therefore, they had a great interest in role of policy-based financial institution and JFC-Micro's small-lot lending.

Meeting with Executives of Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC)

(April 20, 2009 in Japan)

14 executives of BAAC, which is a policy-based financial institution mainly for farmers in Thailand, visited JFC-Micro with some officials of Royal Thai Embassy for hearing and exchanging opinions regarding JFC-Micro's operations. They actively asked lots of questions and expressed their opinions especially about JFC-Micro's loan management.

"Necessary Policy Measures and Reform Strategies for Financial System Stability in NIS Countries" Seminar

(April 8, 2009 in Japan)

Responding to a request from JICA, JFC-Micro gave a lecture to officials of Ministry of Finance, central banks, etc. in New Independent States (NIS) such as Ukraine and Republic of Kazakhstan. Hearing the explanation on the roles of JFC-Micro, the participants showed high interest in the governance of JFC-Micro and the difference from financial institutions in their countries.

Lecture in a Workshop Organized by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)

(April 1, 2009 in Japan)

JFC-Micro welcomed 37 financial policy makers in Asian countries including government officials, central bank staff and some guests from international organizations. This visit was conducted as a part of ADBI workshop on the subject of "Promoting financial inclusion through innovative policies." Mr. Morita, Chief of ICO, gave a lecture to the participants and explained about the characteristics of JFC-Micro's lending in comparison with microfinance. Since the participants showed high interest in JFC-Micro's lending model, active discussion was held after the lecture.

JICA Training Program "HRD for SME advisors" (Malaysia)

(March 16, 2009 in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture to four officers of Small & Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC), which is in charge of the SME promotion in Malaysia. Considering that the main objective of the program is to learn the advisory service for SMEs in Japan, JFC-Micro explained related topics in details such as its support for business start-ups and collaboration with external institutions like Chambers of Commerce and Industry. One participant told the lecturer that she got an idea which could be implemented in SMIDEC.

Vietnam Development Forum (VDF) Research Mission to Japan

(March 6, 2009 in Japan)

JFC-Micro received the mission that consists of two Vietnamese researchers involved in the VDF. VDF is the project implemented by National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). The purpose of the mission is to research Japanese SME Consultant system (SME shindan-shi system). Ms. Naganuma, Senior Officer of Business Start-ups Supporting Department, who is qualified as SME Consultant, explained about JFC-Micro's business start-up support. In addition, she discussed how she made use of the qualification of SME Consultant in her business. One of the mission member said, "This was the precious opportunity to hear from the person who had the qualification and made the best use of it for her business."

Training Course "Reinforcement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Supporting Organization for African Countries"

(March 4, 2009 in Japan)

Responding to a request from Hiroshima International Center, JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 11 government officials from 8 countries (Republic of Ghana, Republic of Kenya, etc.). The participant, who was interested in the policy-based operations of JFC-Micro regarding the support for entrepreneurs, commented, "I was impressed that JFC-Micro introduced the simple and easy-to-understand Business Plan Sheet, which was convenient for entrepreneurs unfamiliar with financial data."

JICA "Training and Dialogue Programs of Small & Medium Enterprise Development Policies (C)"

(March 4, 2009 in Japan)

The study group for the above project visited JFC. The group consists of 14 members from VDB and the Vietnamese government. They paid a courtesy call on Mr. Sakamoto, Managing Executive Officer. After that, Mr. Morita from JFC-Micro and Mr. Tahara from SME Unit gave lectures to the group regarding SME finance and credit supplement system in Japan. VDB is expected to fulfill wide range of roles as one of the policy-based financial institutions. Mr. Dao, head of the group, commented, "We would like to apply what we learned from the lecture to our future operation."

JICA, Institutional Capacity Development Project for Vietnam Development Bank (VDB)

(March 3, 2009 in Japan)

The study group for the above project visited JFC. The group consists of 14 members from VDB and the Vietnamese government. They paid a courtesy call on Mr. Sakamoto, Managing Executive Officer. After that, Mr. Morita from JFC-Micro and Mr. Tahara from SME Unit gave lectures to the group regarding SME finance and credit supplement system in Japan. VDB is expected to fulfill wide range of roles as one of the policy-based financial institutions. Mr. Dao, head of the group, commented, "We would like to apply what we learned from the lecture to our future operation."

JICA Seminar "Enforcement of Entrepreneurship and Employment Support"

(February 16, 2009 in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture on SME finance in Japan and role of JFC-Micro to seven representatives from Colombia. The participants, from governmental institutions, has been engaged in helping ex-soldiers return to civil society by assisting them in finding a job or starting their business. They were highly interested in JFC-Micro's activities that positively provide loans not only to MSEs but also to entrepreneurs (those who do not have experience in running business).

Meeting with Executive Officer from Ministry for Economy, Industry and Employment (France)

(February 6, 2009 in Japan)

Ms. Catherine Gras, Deputy Director-General, General Directorate for Competitiveness, Industry and Services, the Ministry visited JFC-Micro and received the lecture from Mr. Joko, Head of Business Administration Department and Mr. Morita, Chief of International Cooperation Office. This visit was based on the request from Embassy of France following Ms. Gras's interest in SME finance in Japan and the roles of policy-based financial institutions. She showed a high interest in the support measures for SMEs, which the Japanese government introduced as an emergency economic package, and JFC-Micro's efforts.

JICA "Seminar on Financial System"

(January 29, 2009 in Japan)

Mr. Satoru Yamadera, Economist of Asian Development Bank, and Mr. Morita, Chief of ICO, jointly gave a lecture for 9 government officers in charge of financial policy from 5 South East Asian countries. At first, Mr. Yamadera delivered a lecture on the theme of "Ongoing financial crisis and challenges for Asia", and explained significance of public sector's role in SME finance. After that, Mr. Morita told about the operations of JFC-Micro as an example of policy-based finance in Japan. Participants had great interest in the Japanese policy-based finance system that had contributed to promotion of Japanese SMEs by complementing the private sector.

JICA "Training and Dialogue Program of Small & Medium Enterprise Development Policies (B)"

(January 28, 2009 in Japan)

Responding to a request from Pacific Resource Exchange Center (PREX), JFC-Micro gave a lecture to 13 government officials from 10 countries in Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, and so on. The participants listened to the lecture so seriously that they could get useful information to promote SMEs in their countries. Despite the difference between Japan and their countries, they understood the roles and functions of JFC-Micro, etc. very well. Some participant commented that he would ask the government for getting JFC-Micro's technical cooperation.

JICA Youth Program "Economic Development (SME Promotion)"

(January 23, 2009 in Japan)

JFC-Micro accepted 14 trainees from Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, who were visiting Japan under the above program, and lectured on SME finance in Japan and role of JFC-Micro. The trainees were government officials related to SME promotion and officers of government financial institutions for SME in Jordan. They showed high interest in JFC-Micro's lending scheme and business start-up support. In particular, active discussion was held regarding credit analysis method for small enterprises that do not have sufficient collateral and financial data. Some participants requested that JFC-Micro would accept other Jordanian staff for training for a few weeks in near future.

"APRACA 窶錀 CENTRAB: Study Visit in Japan 2009"

(January 22, 2009 in Japan)

JFC-Micro gave a lecture on SME finance to the 6 officers of APRACA (The Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association) member institutions in India and the Philippines, who came to Japan to participate in the above Study Visit conducted by Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Business (AFC) Unit, JFC. The participants were interested not only in loans for agriculture but also in SME finance, and took part in the lecture earnestly all day long. At the last session, they discussed very actively with JFC-Micro staff and made a comment that the discussion was really fruitful. This is the first opportunity since JFC's establishment for JFC-Micro and AFC Unit to work together.

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