Saemaeul Geumgo Hosts International Cooperative Seminar... "The Power of Finance Revitalizing Local Communities"

Sharing Strategies with Japan, Italy, and IFAD
Presenting Financial Inclusion Solutions in the Era of Regional Decline

The National Credit Union Federation of Korea (Chairman Kim In) held an international seminar under the theme "The Role of Financial Cooperatives for a Better World" at the Jeju Training Center on September 18, with experts from around the world in attendance, including financial cooperatives from Japan and Italy, as well as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Saemaeul Geumgo International Cooperative Seminar: The Power of Finance to Revitalize Regions Shares Strategies with Japan, Italy, and IFAD Proposes Financial Inclusion Solutions in the Era of Regional Decline

This seminar brought together the MG Financial Research Institute and representatives from overseas cooperatives to discuss strategies for expanding financial accessibility and promoting sustainable regional development.

◆ Global Cooperatives Share Successful Regional Development Cases

In the first session, Kazutoshi Warashina, Senior Researcher at Japan’s Shinkin Central Bank Research Institute, and Luca Santabarbara, Researcher at the Italian Cooperative Banks Association, each presented their countries’ regional development models.

Next, Professor Yoon Youngjin of Hanyang University highlighted the role of Saemaeul Geumgo in the era of population decline and proposed strategies for expanding financial services for foreign residents and promoting financial inclusion for vulnerable groups.

◆ The Value of Financial Inclusion... Spreading to Developing Countries

The second session focused on "The Role of Cooperatives in Financial Inclusion." Park Sangho, Officer at IFAD, introduced cooperative finance models being implemented in developing countries through financial and non-financial programs, emphasizing the need for global expansion of financial inclusion.

Following this, Professor Jung Hyuk of Seoul National University stated, "Saemaeul Geumgo must revive the essence of financial cooperatives even amid the trends of banking and profit-seeking," stressing future strategies centered on local engagement and creating social value.

◆ "A New Turning Point for Local Communities"

An official from the MG Financial Research Institute commented, "This international seminar was a meaningful opportunity to share the experiences and know-how of cooperatives from various countries and to expand possibilities for collaboration in financial inclusion and regional development," adding, "Saemaeul Geumgo will become a new turning point driving sustainable development in marginalized local communities."

This international seminar was significant in that it went beyond simple financial cooperation to address the theme of "Finance Revitalizing Regions in the Era of Regional Decline." In particular, attention is focused on whether Saemaeul Geumgo, as Korea’s leading financial cooperative, can redefine its core values.

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