European Commission president meets Yunus
Strengthening social business and promoting innovative methods of accessible finance are not only a matter of justice but also a concrete way to help the poorest of the poor, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has said.
He said social business is also “a smart investment in our shared future. The European Commission will therefore continue its substantial aid to microcredit projects across the globe.”
The European Commission president made the remarks after a meeting with Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus at his office in Strasbourg in France on Wednesday, said a statement from Yunus Centre yesterday.
They talked about the role of the EU in promoting microcredit and social business across the world. Prof Yunus thanked Barroso for his support for social business that could be a concrete way to solve social problems around the globe.
The two also discussed the introduction of appropriate laws and regulations in the European Parliament that would support social business.
After the meeting, Barroso told the press: “I would like to express the EU’s recognition for the successful work of Prof Yunus, whose tireless commitment deserves our profound respect.”
Yunus also attended a session in the European Parliament. The president of the parliament interrupted the parliament proceedings to announce the presence of Yunus as a distinguished guest. The parliament greeted him with a big applause.
Later, he was received by Parliament President Jerzy Buzek in the latter’s chamber. In a statement Buzek said: “Microcredit should be supported around the world. I would like to welcome in particular the microcredit facilities in Bangladesh — the native country of Prof Yunus.”
Buzek, also former Polish prime minister, praised the concept of social business, pioneered by Prof Yunus, and hoped to work on ways to help new partners connect with social business.
He invited the Grameen Bank founder to Poland to introduce social business to the business leaders in his country with an offer to organise the tour
-WIth The Daily Star input
