The Foundation was delighted to welcome a delegation from the Republic of Moldova and the Savings and Credit Associations (SCA) sector to Ireland. The visit was an opportunity to facilitate the transfer of knowledge, practical experience, and best practices from the Ireland to support the implementation of reforms in the SCA sector of the Republic of Moldova.
Across the week the delegation received presentations on various topics including including Financial Stability & Liquidity Mechanisms, Governance, Legal Frameworks, Mergers and the Role of the ILCU. A number of the delegation also met with representatives from Central Bank of Ireland. The various sessions gave the group an opportunity to learn more about the Irish credit union movement, to help inform them with regards their upcoming reforms of the sector.
As part of the week of learning, the delegation had the opportunity to visit three credit unions, Public Service Credit Union Ltd – Ireland, Ardee Credit Union and Castleblayney Credit Union. Thanks also to Therese Conway and Niamh Kiernan, Collaborative Finance, for an informative presentation on Cultivate, and for meeting with the delegation during their visit to Ardee Credit Union.
The visits to the credit union were filled with lots of questions and discussions on both movements. It was a great opportunity for both credit unions to learn more about each other and to share experiences. Many thanks to Dylan, Michelle and William in PSCU, Niall and Mags in Ardee, and Patrick, Paul, Claire, Aileen and Stephanie in Castleblaney – the delegation really appreciated your time, sharing your knowledge and the warm welcome your provided to them.
Speaking about their time meeting with the credit unions, Efim Lupanciuc, Executive Director, CNASCA, said, “We want to take forward what we have learned in Ireland in the last few days. We have been encouraged to meet with the credit unions and hear them speak of their dedication to cooperation and to their communities, and how they support them. We look forward to continuing to learn more and sharing our learnings in Moldova.”
The Foundation would like to thank you everyone who met with the delegation throughout the week. These type of visits are a great example of cooperation among cooperatives in action.