2022

India

Six officers, two each from Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Bangladesh Bank (BB) and Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMAB), participated in a programme by the RBI academy on "Applied Time Series Econometrics for Macroeconomics and Finance"" on January 17- 21, 2022.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted an Internship on Data Analytics for 10 Officers from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) from November 07 to December 23, 2022, as a part of the Data Science Professionals Programme (DSPP) introduced by the MMA. The internship programme was inaugurated by Shri. R Subramanian, Executive Director, RBI on November 07, 2022. The interns from the MMA were given on the job training in data compilation, analysis, big data analytics etc. in Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM), Department of Supervision (DoS), Department of Economic Policy and Research (DEPR) and Monetary Policy Department (MPD).

2021

India

In order to understand the challenges posed by the lockdown restrictions to data compilation, analysis and policy support, the Reserve Bank organised a technical assistance workshop on "Data Compilation and Analysis during the COVID-19 Pandemic" on January 18-19, 2021. The workshop was attended by officials from the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, the Nepal Rastra Bank and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The workshop was conducted by officials from the Reserve Bank and the Government of India and covered (i) GDP growth analysis; (ii) compilation of National Accounts Statistics in India; and (iii) inflation analysis and projections for monetary policy.

Officials from Bangladesh Bank (BB) (12 officers), Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) (7 officers) and Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) (23 officers) also participated in the various training programmes and conferences on issues related to financing of small farm holders and self-help groups, digitisation and financial inclusion and strengthening of primary urban cooperative banks (UCBs) conducted by College of Agriculture Banking, a training institution of RBI, over the period May- December 2021.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provided technical assistance on Issuance of Long-Term Remittance Bonds to Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMAB) in April 2021.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provided Information assistance on the Questionnaire on Data Warehouse implementation to Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMAB) on January 01, 2021.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provided information assistance to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) for surveys on Organization and Management as well as Financial Inclusion Structure and Activities on January 02, 2021.

2018

India

Officials of the Reserve Bank of India made a visit to Central Bank of Sri Lanka to conduct a training programme on 'Supervision of Non-Banking Financial Institutions' during January 10-12, 2018.

Officials from Central Bank of Sri Lanka made an exposure visit to various departments of the Reserve Bank of India such as, Internal Debt Management Department (IDMD) & Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS) during January 10-12, 2018. They also visited Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL).

Fifteen officials from Nepal Rastra Bank and eleven officials from Central Bank of Sri Lanka attended an exposure training programme on 'understanding Self Help Group, Joint Liability Group and Farmers' Club' at College of Agriculture Banking, Pune during January 29- February 02, 2018.

Reserve Bank of India officials visited Central Bank of Sri Lanka to conduct a training programme on 'Regulations and BASEL II' during February 07-09, 2018.

Eighteen newly recruited officers from Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan attended training on 'Central Banking' at Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai during March 12-16, 2018.

Two officials from Nepal Rastra Bank attended a training programme on 'Understanding Derivative Better: Beyond Basics' during March 26-28, 2018.

Officials from Bangladesh Bank made an exposure visit to the Reserve Bank of India Library and Archives of College of Agricultural Banking Pune during March 26-28, 2018.

Reserve Bank of India conducted a training programme on banking supervision at Central Bank of Sri Lanka during March 26-28, 2018.

Officials from Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan made an exposure visit to various departments of the Reserve Bank of India during May 17-18, 2018.

Officials from Nepal Rastra Bank attended training programme on 'Monetary Theory and Policy' during June 18-21, 2018 at Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai.

Reserve Bank of India conducted a training programme on 'Code of Ethics' at Central Bank of Sri Lanka during June 23-26, 2018.

2017

India

Nepal Rastra Bank made exposure visits to various departments of the Reserve Bank of India during November 22 to 24, 2017. Three delegates from Nepal attended training on 'Managing World of Virtual Finance- FinTech Regulation' in August 2017 and two delegates attended training on 'Banking Regulation - Dynamics of New Changes' in December 2017 at Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai.11 delegates from Nepal attended a Programme on 'Digitisation and Financial Inclusion' at College of Agriculture Banking, Pune.

Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMAB) attended exposure training programme at Zonal Training Centre, Kolkata during November 20-24 and December 4-8, 2017. One delegate from Bhutan attended training on 'Banking Regulation - Dynamics of New Changes' during December 11-15, 2017.

Officials of Bangladesh Bank made a one day visit to Financial Inclusion and Development Department (FIDD)on July 17, 2017.

Officials of Da Afghanistan Bank visited various departments of the Reserve Bank of India on December 28, 2017

21 officials of Central Bank of Sri Lanka attended a Programme on 'Macro prudential policy and implementation' and 22 officials attended a Programme on 'Payment and Settlement Infrastructure', conducted by the Reserve Bank of India at Central Bank of Sri Lanka. 11 delegates from Sri Lanka attended a Programme on 'Digitisation and Financial Inclusion' at College of Agriculture Banking, Pune.

2016

Bangladesh

As part of the SAARCFINANCE Staff Exchange Program, a team of five delegates from Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMAB) led by Mr. Phajo Darjee, Deputy Governor of RMAB visited Bangladesh during 20-24 December 2016. The RMAB team attended several sessions conducted by different departments of Bangladesh Bank and Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA), Bangladesh. These sessions covered a wide range of areas including legal framework of Cottage, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), reporting formats on MSME financing, financial stability and stress testing related issues, licensing framework and prudential regulations for Microfinance Institution (MFI) etc. In order to gather practical knowledge, the team also visited banks and other institutions involved in MSME and MFI financing.

India

A half-day session on ,Supervisor's Perspectives on Basel II, III and Liquidity Ratios (Pillar I, II and III) was organised at Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai for international delegates from 18 countries including participants from Afghanistan, Nepal and Bangladesh on January 14, 2016.

Reserve Bank of India organised the Training of Trainers (ToT) Program on Restructuring and strengthening of Agricultural/Rural Financial Institutions at College of Agricultural Banking, Pune, India on Feb 1-5, 2016 where in thirteen participants from Nepal and two participants from Sri Lanka participated. The program was held in collaboration with Centre for International Cooperation in Agricultural Banking, Pune.

One participant each from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka participated in the International Monetary Fund's five-day course on Early Warning Exercise (EWE) organised by the Reserve Bank of India on February 22-26, 2016, at College of Agricultural Banking, Pune. The course covered areas related to macroeconomic and financial risk assessment, quantitative methods used for early warning exercise, analysing vulnerability indicators, spill over and contagion analysis.

Reserve Bank of India organised a session on ,Risk Management? on March 16, 2016, at its Central Office in Mumbai, India, for international delegates wherein delegates from Nepal and Bangladesh also participated.

Twenty seven journalists from Nepal representing the financial media participated in an interactive session with Department of Communication and Department of Economic and Policy Research of the Reserve Bank of India on May 27, 2016.

Sixty four participants from Bangladesh Bank interacted with the Reserve Bank of India officials from various departments on June 1, 2016 at its Central Office, Mumbai.

A workshop on Role and Functions of the Reserve Bank of India was organised on June 15-17, 2016 at the College of Agricultural Banking, Pune for thirty one participants, representing the Nepal Rastra Bank and financial media from Nepal.

Two officials from the Reserve Bank of India visited Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan to provide technical assistance on Minimum Lending Rate, and other related issues during June 29-July 1, 2016.

A five-day training Program for Trainers on Restructuring and Strengthening of Agricultural/Rural Financial Institutions was organized by the Reserve Bank of India at College of Agricultural Banking, Pune, during July 04-08, 2016 for 20 participants from Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in collaboration with Centre for International Cooperation and Training in Agriculture Banking (CICTAB).

A four-day Program on Forex Bourse was organized at Central Bank of Sri Lanka during July 12-15, 2016, conducted by the faculty members from the Reserve Bank of India for 30 participants from Sri Lanka.

A two-day Program on Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) was organized at Central Bank of Sri Lanka during August 18-19, 2016, conducted by the faculty members from the Reserve Bank of India for 36 participants from Sri Lanka.

A three-day Program on Basel III and Risk Management was organized at Central Bank of Sri Lanka during November 23-25, 2016, conducted by the faculty members from the Reserve Bank of India for 60 participants from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka

Four delegates from Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMAB), visited CBSL in November 2016 to study the foreign exchange regime in Sri Lanka, including existing procedures, laws and rules.

2015

India

Two members of the Board of Directors of Nepal Rastra Bank along with Secretary of the Board visited the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) during January 27-30, 2015 with a view to understand the RBI's system of functioning in a federal set up. The delegates interacted with several central office departments of the RBI regarding the organizational structure, and also visited the Mumbai and New Delhi regional offices of RBI.

Six delegates of Nepal Rastra Bank visited the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to familiarise themselves with the Internal Auditing Practices of RBI during 19 to 22 January, 2015.

A senior official from Da Afghanistan Bank visited the Reserve Bank of India on February 27, 2015 to explore areas for mutual cooperation including capacity building.

Two participants each from Afghanistan and Bangladesh, one participant from Nepal and three participants from Sri Lanka visited the Reserve Bank of India on March 10, 2015 as part of International Programme on Banking and Finance, conducted by the National Institute of Bank Management, Pune during March 2-14, 2015.

A training programme for seven officials from Debt Management and Accounts and Budgeting Departments of Bangladesh Bank was organised by the Reserve Bank of India during April 20-24, 2015. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Executive Director in charge of Debt Management.

Two participants from Nepal participated in the 8th Seminar on Currency Management organised by the Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai, during April 27-29, 2015.

Four participants from Bangladesh, one from Sri Lanka and five participants from Pakistan visited the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on May 29, 2015 to learn about functions and policy of RBI, as part of a training programme conducted by the BSE Institute Ltd.

Twenty six staff members of Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan participated in the Training Programme on RBI's basic functions, organised by Zonal Training Centre, Kolkata, during June 23- 26, 2015.

Sri Lanka

One member of the Nepal Rastra Bank's (NRB) Board of Directors along with NRB's Director of Corporate Planning Department visited Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) during May 5-8, 2015. The delegates interacted with several departments of CBSL regarding their organizational structure and operations and visited some of their regional offices.

2014

India

Two participants from Nepal and one participant from Maldives participated in the '7th Programme for Principal Inspecting Officers/Chief Banking Examiners organized by the Reserve Bank Staff College (RBSC), Chennai, during 27-31 January 2014.

Six participants from Nepal participated in the 'International Programme on Central Banking' organized by the Reserve Bank Staff College (RBSC), Chennai, during 3-5 February 2014.

Two participants from Nepal participated in the '4th Programme on Bourse' organized by the Reserve Bank Staff College (RBSC), Chennai, during 24-28 February 2014.

Three participants from Nepal and two participants from Bhutan participated in the 'Pilot Programme on Risk Based Supervision' organized by the Reserve Bank Staff College (RBSC), Chennai, during 1-4 April 2014.

Three participants from Nepal participated in the '2nd Programme on Basel III' organized by the Reserve Bank Staff College (RBSC), Chennai, during 21-25 April 2014.

Four participants from Bangladesh Bank (BB) participated in the workshop on 'Inflation Expectation Survey of Households', organized by the Reserve Bank of India at Mumbai during 9-11 April 2014. The workshop was organized on the request of Asian Development Bank (ADB). Under this workshop the participants had interaction with officials from Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR), Monetary Policy Department (MPD), and Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM) at the RBI, Central Office in Mumbai.

A familiarization programme was arranged in the areas of technical research studies on interconnectedness of financial institutions, Early Warning Systems, Stress Testing Mechanisms, Integrated Risk Management Systems and other areas related to Financial System Stability for 4 participants from Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) during 14-18 July 2014 at the Reserve Bank of India in Mumbai. The participants also had interaction with officials from Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR), Monetary Policy Department (MPD) and Department of Banking Supervision (DBS).

A familiarization programme was arranged in the areas of technical research studies on interconnectedness of financial institutions, early warning systems, stress testing mechanisms, integrated risk management systems and other areas related to financial system stability for 4 participants from Central Bank of Sri Lanka during July 14-18, 2014 at the Reserve Bank of India in Mumbai. The participants also interacted with officials from Economic Policy Research, Monetary Policy and Banking Supervision departments.

Nine delegates from Nepal and three delegates from Bhutan attended the "Training of Trainers Programme on Restructuring and Strengthening of Agricultural/Rural Financial Institutions", organized by the College of Agricultural Banking, Pune (CAB) in collaboration with Centre for International Cooperation in Agricultural Banking, Pune (CICTAB), during July 14-18, 2014.

A team of six officials from Bangladesh Bank visited the Reserve Bank of India for exposure training on the areas pertaining to Banking Supervision, Banking Regulation and Financial Stability during November 17-19, 2014.

Reserve Bank of India had conducted a 4 day training programme for the Internal Audit staff of Nepal Rastra Bank in June 4-7, 2014.

A Training Programme for the members of the Primary Dealers association of Bangladesh was organized by the Reserve Bank of India in collaboration with M/s. Thomson Reuters on November 12, 2014.

One delegate from Bangladesh and 17 delegates from Nepal attended the 'Exposure programme in SHG JLG Farmers club, etc., organized by the Reserve Bank of India at College of Agricultural Banking, Pune in collaboration with Centre for International Cooperation in Agricultural Banking, Pune (CICTAB), during December 15-19, 2014.

Nepal

Four officials from Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan visited Nepal Rastra Bank under Staff Exchange Programme during November 3-7, 2014.

Two officials from Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan visited Nepal Rastra Bank under Staff Exchange Programme during November 17-19, 2014.

Sri Lanka

A delegation of Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan visited Central Bank of Sri Lanka under Staff Exchange Programme during September 15-19, 2014.

Four officials from State Bank of Pakistan visited Central Bank of Sri Lanka under Staff Exchange Programme during September 22-24, 2014.

2013

Bangladesh

Twenty officials from Nepal Rastra Bank attended the SAARCFINNACE Staff Exchange Training Program organized by the Bangladesh Bank at Dhaka, Bangladesh from 21 to 23 April 2013.

As per the request of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Bangladesh Bank Training Academy (BBTA) arranged a 4 day long training program on 'Central Banking Operation: Bangladesh Perspective' under the SAARCFINANCE Staff Exchange Program for 20 NRB officials during 3-6 March 2013.

India

The 41st training programme on Monetary and Fiscal Management in Reserve Bank Staff College was held in Chennai India during 18-22 March 2013. Other than the Indian participants, four staff members of the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan attended the training program. The Bhutan participants visited the Reserve Bank of India Central Office during March 25- 28, 2013, under the Staff Exchange Scheme, and met officials of Department of Economic and Policy Research, Monetary Policy Department, and Department of Statistics and Information Management for topical interactions.

The International Programme on Central Banking conducted by the Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai, was held during June 26-28, 2013. Two participants from Bhutan and four participants from Nepal participated in the program among the SAARC member countries. The rest of the participants were from India.

Twelve participants from Sri Lanka, 14 participants from Nepal and 2 participants from Bangladesh participated in the 'International Training of Trainers Programme on Restructuring and Strengthening of Rural Financial Institutions' organised by the College of Agricultural Banking, Pune, during July 15-19, 2013, in collaboration with Centre for International Co-operation and Training in Agricultural Banking, Pune.

Fourteen participants from Bangladesh participated in the 'Programme on Quantitative Analysis of Monetary Policy: Practice and Impacts', organised by the Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai, during September 23-27, 2013. This was followed by a staff exchange programme for the participants in the Department of Economic and Policy Research, Monetary Policy Department, and Department of Statistics and Information Management in the Reserve Bank of India, Central Office in Mumbai during September 30-October 3, 2013. Both the training and the staff exchange were arranged by the Reserve Bank in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank.

One participant from Sri Lanka participated in the 'Advanced Management Development Programme focused on Leadership Development', organised by the College of Agricultural Banking, Pune, during November 18-22, 2013.

Seven participants from Sri Lanka, three from Nepal and one from Bangladesh participated in the 'Exposure Programme in SHG, JLG, Farmers Club, etc, organised by the College of Agricultural Banking, Pune, in collaboration with Centre for International Co-operation and Training in Agricultural Banking, Pune, during December 16-20, 2013.

Sri Lanka

A team of officials of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) visited Central Bank of Sri Lanka during 20-22 May 2013 under the SAARCFINANCE staff exchange programme to study about the medium-term Human Resource Planning of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The team included three senior NRB officers.

2012

India

The International Training of Trainers (TOT) Program on Restructuring and Strengthening of Rural Financial Institutions (in collaboration with Centre for International Cooperation and Training in Agricultural Banking (CICTAB) was arranged at CAB, Pune; India from 18 - 22 July 2011.This program was attended by 8 representatives from Nepal Rastra Bank, 2 representatives from Bangladesh Bank and 6 representatives from the Central bank of Sri Lanka.

Total 11 participants from SAARC central banks including India, participated in the International Programme on Central banking (Trainers' Training programme) Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai during 26 - 28 March 2012. There was one participant each from Afghanistan and Bangladesh, two each from Nepal and Sri Lanka, apart from 5 participants from India.

Total 12 international participants participated in the Training of Trainers programme on Restructuring & Strengthening of Rural Financial Institutions (in collaboration with Centre for International Cooperation & Training in Agricultural Banking (CICTAB) held at College of Agricultural Banking, Pune during 4 - 8 June 2012. The international participants included ten from Nepal and two from Sri Lanka. Three delegates from Nepal Rastra Bank, viz., Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha, Executive Director, Mr. Pitambar Bhandari, Director and Dr. Ram Sharan Kharel, Deputy Director visited the Reserve Bank of India under SAARCFINANCE Staff Exchange Progremme during 6 - 8 June 2012.

Three delegates from Nepal Rastra Bank, viz., Executive Director Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha, Director Mr. Pitambar Bhandari and Deputy Director Dr. Ram Sharan Kharel, visited the Reserve Bank of India, to get an insight on interest rate corridor policy and learning from the practical experiences from the implementation of these policies. This visit was from 6- 8 June 2012.

Pakistan

Twelve officials from various departments of Nepal Rastra Bank visited Karachi, Pakistan from 11 - 16 January 2012 under the "SAARCFINANCE Staff Exchange Program." The program was organized by the State Bank of Pakistan.

Sri Lanka

Three senior Nepal Rastra Bank officials visited Central Bank of Sri Lanka from 11 - 14 May 2012 to learn about the 'Interest rate Corridor Policy'.

2011

Bangladesh

Ten officials from the Nepal Rastra Bank visited Bangladesh Bank (BB) during 28-31 March 2011 on an observation tour to study human resource management and internal audit practice.

Mr. Khyam Narayan Dhakal, Director of the Micro-finance Promotion and Supervision Department and Ms Srijana Gautam, Assistant Director of the Bank and Financial Institution Regulation Department of Nepal Rastra Bank participated at the "SAARCFINANCE Seminar on Financial Inclusion: The Role of Central Banks in SAARC Region". The Seminar was organized by Bangladesh Bank from 19 - 22 December 2011 in Dhaka.

An official from the Reserve Bank of India visited Grameen Bank and BRAC in Bangladesh in a study tour to gain experience of their activities related to the development of rural areas and Self Help Groups from 22 - 25 December 2011.

India

The International Programme on Central Banking (Middle Management) was arranged at Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai, India during February 21-23, 2011.This programme was attended by 2 representatives from Nepal Rastra Bank.

The Programme on Risk Management for Da Afghanistan Bank Officers was arranged at Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai, India during February 28 - March 04, 2011. This programme was attended by 11 representatives from Da Afghanistan Bank.

10th Programme on Inspection of Authorised Dealers undertaking Forex activity was arranged by the Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai, India during April 25-29, 2011. This programme was attended by 5 representatives from Bangladesh Bank.

13 High Level Delegates from Bhutan visited College of Agricultural Banking, Reserve Bank of India, Pune; National Institute of Bank Management, Pune; Joint India-IMF Training Programme, Pune (run jointly by the Reserve Bank of India and IMF); National Insurance Academy, Pune; and Centre for Advanced Financial Research and Learning, Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai, during June 16-18, 2011 to explore the feasibility of establishing a training institute similar to those run by the Reserve Bank of India.

Sri Lanka

A team of officials of Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB) visited Central Bank of Sri Lanka from 19 - 23 September 2011, under the SAARCFINANCE staff exchange programme for familiarization of certain Central Banking activities. The team included 12 juniors to middle level officers.

2010

India

The 2nd Programme on "Advanced Derivatives" was organized by the Reserve Bank Staff College, the Reserve Bank of India, Chennai for the representatives from for the Bangladesh Bank during March 8-12, 2010. It was attended by 2 representatives from the Bangladesh Bank. The programme focused on the issues and challenges in advanced derivatives.

The 14th Basic Management Programme was organized by the Reserve Bank Staff College, the Reserve Bank of India, Chennai for the officials of Bangladesh Bank during March 22, 2010 to April 01, 2010.

10th Programme on Fundamental of Financial Analysis was arranged by the Reserve Bank Staff College, the Reserve Bank of India, Chennai for the official of Bangladesh Bank during April 5-9, 2010. This programme was attended by 2 representatives from Bangladesh Bank.

To learn more about the experiences and practice of the Reserve Bank of India relating to banking regulation, supervision and internal audit matters, the Nepal Rastra Bank sent a high-level team comprising of two Members of Board of Directors to the Reserve Bank of India during October 11-14, 2010.

The College of Agricultural Banking, Pune, India, conducted an International Programme on 'Restructuring and Strengthening of Rural Financial Institutions' during August 23-27, 2010. Sixteen participants from Sri Lanka and six participants each from Nepal and Bangladesh attended the programme.

Sri Lanka

A team of three officers of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) attended a study tour to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka during 22- 24 June 2010 with the purpose of studying the areas of development of IT and other physical infrastructure, RTGS System and procurement system.

Since the inception of the SAARCFINANCE, a good number of officers visited various institutions of member countries under Staff Exchange Program (Table 1). The matters of the Staff Exchange covered a broad range of issues. Considering the effectiveness of the Staff Exchange, matter of cost sharing is left entirely to the country concerned.

Table 1: SAARCFINANCE Staff Exchange Programmes During September 1998 - June 2009

RBI: Reserve Bank of India CBSL: Central Bank of Sri Lanka
SBP: State Bank of Pakistan NRB: Nepal Rastra Bank BB: Bangladesh Bank

During July – December 2009, many officers visited various institutions of member countries under Staff Exchange Programme (Table 2). The matters of the Staff Exchange covered a broad range of issues such as internal auditing, payment & settlement systems of central banks etc.

Table 2: SAARCFINANCE Staff Exchange Programmes during July – December 2009

RBI: Reserve Bank of India CBSL: Central Bank of Sri Lanka
SBP: State Bank of Pakistan NRB: Nepal Rastra Bank BB: Bangladesh Bank

Specific Programs

1. Eighteen Office Assistants from Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) of Bhutan attended a weeklong training programme on Office Assistant Techniques and Skills at the RBI’s Zonal Training Centre in Kolkata during 06-10 July, 2009.
2. Assistant Currency officer of the RMA, accompanied by an official from Information Technology Division visited RBI’s Currency Management Department in Mumbai during 10-12 August 2009.
3. Training Programme on "Effective Management of Office Life" was organised by the Zonal Training Centre, RBI, Kolkata during 6 – 10 July 2009 for a team of 18 representatives from the RMA.
4. The International Programme on ‘Restructuring and Strengthening Rural Finance Institutions’ was held during 20 – 24 July 2009 at College of Agricultural Banking (CAB) Pune, India. The programme focused on:
   1. i) Apprising the participants with the analytical tools for business planning in the process of restructuring and strengthening agricultural/rural financial institutions and
   2. ii) Providing inputs for conducting efficient business operations with a view to achieving self-sustainability, cost effectiveness and profitability.
5. Four members from NRB and one officer from Bangladesh Bank attended the programme besides Executives/officers of Rural Financing Institutions from India.
6. Shri Rajib Das, Director and Ms. Indrani Manna, Research Officer, RBI presented a joint paper titled ‘Global Events and Economic Growth’ at the 2nd International Research Conference organised by Central Bank of Sri Lanka on 14 December 2009 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
7. A team of Maldives Monetary Authority headed by Ms. Aishath Zahira, Deputy Governor, MMA attended a study tour during 7 – 10 July 2009 at CBSL. The main purpose of the study tour was to study and observe formulation of the monetary policy in CBSL. The tour also aimed to assist the staff of the MMA in developing a work program to conduct open market operations; to assess the types of IT systems in place in
8. Mr. Pradhumna Kumar Bhattarai, Director, NRB attended International Seminar on "Regional Economic and Financial Monitoring in South Asia" organized by Centre for Banking Studies, Central Bank of Sri Lanka during 14-19 September 2009 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
9. A team of five officers of the MMA including the Deputy Governor made a study tour to CBSL during 7 – 10 July 2009 with the purpose of studying and observing how the monetary policy is formulated in CBSL.
10. In addition, knowledge on the areas of developing a work program to conduct open market operations; to assess the types of IT systems in place in conducting open market operations; and to study the public debt management aspects.

Since the inception of the SAARCFINANCE (i.e., September 1998), a good number of officers (viz., 239) visited various institutions of member countries under Staff Exchange Programme

The matters of the Staff Exchange covered a broad range of issues such as risk-based supervision, human resource management, forward marketing arrangements for agricultural product, licensing regulation of the financial institutions, etc. Considering the effectiveness of the Staff Exchange Program and also in the case of training, seminars, etc., the matter of cost sharing is left entirely to the country concerned.

Two officials from the Bangladesh Bank visited RBI, Mumbai, India to have experience for "Online Currency Processing, Shredding and Briquetting System of RBI" during April 28-29, 2008.

Deputy Managing Director, Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, accompanied by two officials of the Foreign Exchange and Reserve Management Division visited Nepal Rastra Bank, Kathmandu, Nepal during January 10-13, 2008 for a study on Authorized Money Changers.

Mr. Abdul Hameed Mohamed, Executive Director, Economic Research & Statistics Division of the MMA visited the RBI on the sidelines of  9th SAARCFINANCE Co-ordinators’ Meeting on February 13, 2008, to explore the feasibility of strengthening the research department of MMA in close collaboration with RBI.

Table 1: SAARCFINANCE Staff Exchange Programme
during September 1998 - June 2008

RBI: Reserve Bank of India CBSL: Central Bank of Sri Lanka BB: Bangladesh Bank
NRB: Nepal Rastra Bank SBP: State Bank of Pakistan RMA: Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan

January-June 2008

During January-June 2008, as many as 7 officers and 15 press persons visited various institutions of member countries under Staff Exchange Programme (Table 2). The matters of the Staff Exchange covered a broad range of issues such as use of statistics and central bank’s survey, SME, micro & agriculture/rural finance and licensing regulation of the financial institutions.

Table 2: SAARCFINANCE Staff Exchange Programme
during January-June 2008