MSG Secretariat receives courtesy visit from PFIP
Ilan Kiloe and Ajay Jagannath after their discussions
29 August 2019
Mr. Ajay Jagannath, Financial Inclusion Coordinator of Pacific Financial Inclusion Program (PFIP) yesterday paid the MSG Secretariat a courtesy call to discuss possible partnerships. Mr. Jagannath was met by Mr. Ilan Kiloe Officer in Charge and Program Manager Political and Security Affairs on behalf of the Director General Ambassador Amena Yauvoli.
During discussions, Mr. Kiloe updated Mr. Jagannath on the important roles and functions of the MSG under the various programmes of the Secretariat emphasizing on the Private Sector Development Strategy as an important pillar for economic development in Melanesia.
Mr. Jagannath in turn explained the role of the Pacific Financial Inclusion Program confirming that PFIP was working under UNDP and had offices in all Melanesian countries. Mr. Jagannath spoke about how PFIP were working towards filling gaps in the system by focusing on the strong need and importance to provide financial support to those in the rural areas and providing insurance for those affected by natural disasters in the outer islands. He also talked about PFIP’s Digital Financial Services namely Branchless Banking and Mobile Money to improve communities access to financial services.
The discussions concluded with the strong possibility of collaboration with the two organisations to ensure financial services are accessible to communities noting also that about 80% of the population in Member countries live in rural areas. Mr. Jagannath extended an invitation to the MSG Secretariat to attend the one-day workshop, PFIP is organizing in Port Vila on 2 September 2019.