Asia Microfinance Forum, sponsored by the Citigroup, was held in Tianlun Dynasty Hotel from March 21 to 24, 2006. The forum was coorganized by the Banking with the Poor (BWTP) Network, the Foundation for Development Cooperation (FDC), Research Bureau of People's Bank of China and China Association of Microfinance. The theme of forum is "Partnerships and Innovations: Increasing the Impact of Microfinance in Asia".About three hundred representatives from more than twenty countries and regions in Asia participated in this forum. UNDP, Ford Foundation, GTA and IFAD also co-sponsored the event. CICETE provided part of the logistic service for the forum.

The three-day forum covered almost all the aspects of Microfinance development. Participants from various organizations expressed their ideas, and had a talk and discussion in depth. Four topics were discussed through plenary panel and group discussion: First, the new business partnership models for microfinance outreach. Group discussion on this topic referred to the themes: increasing outreach and sustainability of microfinance through ICT, deepening outreach of financial services to the poorest, successful multi-stakeholder partnerships in microfinance, innovative rural finance approaches to serve the poor etc.; Second, partnerships for access to capital and products. Group discussion's focused on: investors and donors on rating/assessment, the role of central banks in the promotion of microfinance, and a workshop hosted by the People's Bank of China in association with GTZ; Third, creating an enabling environment for microfinance. Group discussion referred to the regulations regarding access to capital, policies and regulations to expand electronic banking for the poor, importance of transparency for microfinance development; Forth, the future of the microfinance industry in Asia and so on.

Senior officials of the People's Bank of China attended the forum and explained China's new policy on microfinance development. They are supportive not only on commercialized microfinance but also non-profit microfinance organizations.

The forum has come out a good result, which not only brought in lots fresh information to China, but also promotes the cooperation in the field of microfinance in Asia.