HIGHLIGHTS / RESULTS REPORT: COMMUNITY BANKING

UNCLAS HARARE 001147 SIPDIS AF/PD FOR CDALTON, IIP /G AF FOR EYORK , GCHRISTIANSON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KPAO ZI SUBJECT: HIGHLIGHTS / RESULTS REPORT: COMMUNITY BANKING ¶1. Description of Activity: PAS Harare hosted a one-hour TPC on Community Banking with Liz Kelderhouse, Community Officer for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Ms. Kelderhouse outlined the different models of Community Banks in the U.S. and how they strive to reach out to the less privileged communities. The Information Resource Center (IRC) distributed copies of supporting materials to the guests. ¶2. Date: July 12, 2004 ¶3. MPP Themes and Audience: Theme: Economic / Democratic Empowerment and Business Development. Audience: Through this event, PAS Harare reached diverse audiences ranging from local CEOs from the Banking sector, representatives from micro financing institutions and NGOs. A total of 25 new high profile contacts listened attentively and commented positively on the presentation. ¶4. Justification and Objectives: Despite Zimbabwe's relatively developed economy, the country continues to experience institutional impediments to financing small scale and community- based enterprises. The establishment of Community Banks in Zimbabwe is crucial in providing the much-needed funds by small enterprises that may not meet the credit requirements of commercial banks. The TPC increased awareness of the topic and presented the rationale behind Community banking to the Zimbabwean commercial banks, NGOs and community financing institutions. ¶5. Results/Impact: Very Good. Post was able to reach several key audiences (i.e.) local banking executives, representatives from micro financing institutions and NGOs. Some of the guests had never experienced a TPC and they were very curious about the TPC procedure. We received positive feedback from the participants, including several requests to continue this type of programming. A CEO from the local Deposit Protection Board who recently visited FDIC in the U.S. felt that the topic was very relevant to the Zimbabwe's economic situation. Many participants expressed interest in receiving more resource materials from the IRC on Community Banking. The event also played an important role in the Mission's continued effort to educate Zimbabweans about American business values and society, thus helping further our MPP goal of Economic and Democratic Empowerment as well as business development. ¶6. Quality of USG Support: Excellent. We commend, once again, the excellent support from IIP's Eboni York and Gretchen Christianson. SULLIVAN