Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Syarifuddin Hassan said here on Monday that President Yudhoyono deserved the award because he was considered successful in implementing microfinance through the People`s Business Credit (KUR) program.
"The award was given to the president at the International Microfinance Conference by Dr Larry Reed, Director of Global Micro-credit Summit Campaign," Hassan informed.
He added that the International Microfinance Conference, concluding on Tuesday, is an opportunity to share new information, ideas and knowledge to encourage innovations in the microfinance industry.
The minister noted that the International Microfinance Conference was the first to be held in Indonesia and is being attended by around 420 participants from 23 countries.
"The government has been successful in the implementation of microfinance through the People`s Business Credit programme and it must be familiarized to the international community," Syarifuddin noted.
According to him, the government`s success in microfinance through the People`s Business Credit programme is expected to reduce levels of poverty and unemployment in the country.
He added that financial access of micro, small and medium business makers through microfinance institutions would continue to be improved to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). (O001/BSR/O001)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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