Jakarta, Indonesia, 16 May, 2016 – The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), on Monday, held a press conference to launch the highlights of its 2015 Annual Report. The launch came prior to the opening ceremony of the 41st Annual Meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Board of Governors, 2016.

IsDB President Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, Indonesia’s Minister of Finance of Indonesia Bambang P.S. Brodjonegoro, and IsDB’s Chief Economist Prof. Savas Alpay attended the launch.

The report describes the activities and programs the Bank conducted in its member countries. It also analyzes the Bank’s activities related to its capital resources, capacity-building programs, co-financing, partnerships, cooperation agreements and contributions to the Islamic financial services industry.

Despite the challenges faced by member countries in 2015, IsDB Group’s net approvals grew by 13 per cent to reach USD 12.1 billion, up from USD 10.7 billion in 2014.

IsDB provided technical assistance to support the development of the Islamic finance sector for both member and non-member countries. In 2015, the Bank launched 36 special assistance operations in seven member countries and 29 non-member countries. Of these operations, 10 were for relief assistance in seven member countries and three non-member countries for a total of USD 6 million.

The Bank also provided numerous loans and grants to foster socio-economic development of its member countries.

Dr. Ali said that Indonesia has shared its technical expertise with other member countries through IsDB’s Reverse Linkage Initiative. He added that IsDB is committed to helping the Government of Indonesia address the country’s development challenges, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, poverty alleviation and capacity building. IsDB and the Indonesian government are also working together to strengthen finance in Indonesia.
Minister Bambang added that Indonesia has collaborated with IsDB on several projects in the country. In 2016, IsDB is providing USD 364.66 million to improve slum areas in the country, USD 176.50 million to develop four universities, and USD 330 million to expand electricity networks.