Dr. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, Chairman, NABARD addressed the opening session of Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA)-Japan Financial Corporation (JFC) Policy Forum and 71st EXCOM of APRACA held in Tokyo on 06 June 2019. The session, hosted by JFC, was based on a theme titled "Establishing Resilience against Climate Shocks: Role of Financial Institutions".

 

The Chairman, in his speech, deliberated on the emerging threat of climate change faced by the global communities and their consequences. Underlining the significance of sustainable and climate resilient development, he also foresaw substantial climate change requirement. “Financial institutions have a larger role to play in climate resilient development. As any financing activity in these changing climatic conditions is likely to be affected positively or negatively, it makes business sense to apply climate lens while considering investments,” Dr. Bhanwala said. Mr. Emmanuel F. Pinol, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Philippines; Mr. Senarath Bandara, CEO, Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka and Chairman, APRACA and Mr. Tsuyoshi Arai, General Manager, JFC also addressed the session.

 

The session ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Prasun Kumar Das, Secretary General, APRACA.