Close to completing half a century of existence, on June 12, FONPLATA – Development Bank consolidates its position as an agile and significant institution for its member countries’ development agendas. Its 49th anniversary was celebrated in Florianopolis, Brazil, where the Executive Board of Directors held a meeting with the presence of the main authorities of the State of Santa Catarina and the Bank’s Executive Presidency. The decision of visiting the region was based on the diverse projects that FONPLATA has been funding in cities like Florianopolis, Joinville, Blumenau, Itajaí, Criciúma, and Brusque.

In the last five years, FONPLATA has focused on supporting projects related to the modernization of infrastructure and urban mobility, macro drainage works, and projects providing access to basic water and sanitation services. These interventions substantially and directly improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of the different municipalities.

The mayor of Florianopolis, Topázio Neto, welcomed the presence of other Brazilian authorities and the Bank's Executive Board in his city to mark the Bank's 49th anniversary and highlighted the importance of the partnership with FONPLATA for the development of his community. The Senator for Santa Catarina, Esperidião Amin, was also present at the meeting and pointed out the importance of the strategy for the development of municipalities in Brazil, noting the benefits of the long-term relationship between FONPLATA and the municipalities of the State of Santa Catarina. The Bank's Executive President, Luciana Botafogo, thanked the warm welcome and explained that the Institution works for the people, keeping in mind the sustainability of the projects and focusing on socioeconomic development and supporting the environment.

At the regional level, FONPLATA has established itself as a solid financial institution that promotes the harmonious, inclusive, and sustainable development of its member countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It funds small and medium-scale projects aimed at contributing to the reduction of existing gaps in physical and social infrastructure, productivity, renewable energies, health coverage, educational innovation, gender equality, employment generation, and a more sustainable response to climate change.

In these 49 years of existence, FONPLATA has reinforced its commitment to adapt to the new realities of the region to continue “bringing development closer to the people”.

06/12/2023