Deputy Chairman of VEB.RF Cesare Maria Ragaglini took part in the 43rd Annual meeting of the Association of Asian and Pacific development financial institutions (ADFIAP). The main topic of the event was “Financial Development Institutions and the pandemic: the current situation and anti-crisis measures”. The two-day online meeting included such events as the General Assembly, the Board meeting, and the Award Ceremony for the winners of the ADFIAP AWARDS 2020 outstanding development projects competition.
This year, VEB.RF has won in two ADFIAP AWARDS categories: “Corporate Social Responsibility” with the Project “Improving the educational results of students in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)” and 2. “Economic development of territories” with the Project “Site of attraction” which was implemented jointly with the Monotowns Foundations.
Both projects have a social focus and are aimed at improving the lives of the citizens. The project of distance education for schoolchildren in Yakutia started in June 2019, and became one of the events which helps to achieve the goals of the “Education” national project. It involves about 5,000 students and over 700 teachers from 27 schools in the “Khangalassky Ulus” municipal district.
In the frameworks of the “Site of attraction” project, special territories are being formed in the single-industry towns (squares, streets, embankments), where besides better conditions for the development of small and medium-sized businesses, they also create a harmonious architectural environment of the space around. Such places are designed to become the attraction spot for the recreation of residents and tourists, providing all-season space for comfortable rest, communication and self-realization.
In addition, within the Annual meeting, there was a discussion on the national economies in the context of the pandemic, measures taken by development banks members of the Association in order to overcome the consequences of the crisis, and discuss prospects for the future. Cesare M. Ragaglini spoke about the national plan of the Government of the Russian Federation to overcome the crisis, as well as about the measures of the State Development Corporation VEB.RF, which include unprecedented support for strategic areas (SMEs, development of free telemedicine, free of charge preparation of PPP projects in the regions, etc.).
Cesare M. Ragaglini noted that the pandemic has exacerbated the problems that existed in our society before the crisis, i.e. economic and political barriers, social inequality, and the vulnerability of the global trading system. “The pandemic recognizes neither borders nor frontiers. Today, the world is facing an unprecedented challenge that can only be met through unprecedented international cooperation on key issues.”
“We are coming to the conclusion that supporting SMEs, developing sustainable infrastructure and a strong healthcare system are the areas through which will pave us the path to recovery,” he added.
