Establishment

APRACA stands for the Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association. The establishment of a Regional Association that promotes cooperation and facilitates mutual exchange of information and expertise in the field of rural finance was first proposed at a regional seminar on Agricultural Credit for Small Farmers in Asia in October 1974. Subsequently, rural finance and agricultural credit institutions in the region formally launched APRACA during its first General Assembly Meeting in New Delhi, India on October 10 - 14, 1977, held in conjunction with the Third Asian Conference on Agricultural Credit and Cooperatives. Its first Constitution and By-laws were also adopted during the meeting.

 VISION :
APRACA aspires to work for rural growth and development, with priority emphasis on the uplift of rural poor..

 MISSION :
APRACA pursues promotion of the efficiency and effectiveness of rural finance and access to financial services in order to broaden the target group. 

 OBJECTIVES : APRACA aims to:

• Foster cooperation in improving and planning the financial arrangements for rural and agricultural development.
• Establish among the members, a machinery for systematic interchange of information on sustainable rural and agricultural financial services.
• Encourage and assist in undertaking inter-country studies on matters of common interest in the field of rural finance, and publish and distribute such studies.
• Organize and coordinate training programs on rural finance, and facilitate the exchange of personnel/experts among the members.
• Provide services related to consultancy, research and publications in the field of rural finance.
• Facilitate cooperation on rural finance projects between the members and donors, including assistance in preparing project proposals and implementing projects

The APRACA General Assembly
 Altogether, 16 biennial General Assembly meetings were held, as shown below.

Directory of APRACA EXCOM Members