There are not such things as secrets as far as management is concerned. We did it with men and women, with a team and a work method based on seriousness, confidence, and enthusiasm : in only two years, our Bank has won more than twice its initial capital, and thus restored its own funds which were in the red only 18 months ago. All of this in respect of the most relevant ratios of the prudential regulation that's ruling over the bank area.
This extraordinary result is unique in the Malian banking circles, and maybe even in the communitarian space.

BIM SA redefined itself as a genuine "risk manager", a bank that puts its client at the centre of its interest, by differentiating itself from traditional intermediation. In Mali, we are part of the leading group. In the international world, we are defending our reputation of a bank that's fulfilling its commitments.

For the pump-priming measures of the commercial activities of our bank, we had to create new outlets to make our bank closer to its clients, our products to our consumers which we adapted to the trend-related and structural context. We reduced the costs of our services and improved their quality, which entailed a better competitiveness in the circles. From now on, the banks are going towards the clients, and not the contrary. It is true that we are supporting two of the most important networks of micro finance by reinforcing their abilities to intervene.

We are leaders as regards the savings of Malian expatriates, because of our presence in areas of strong migration like France, Spain, and the United States. We support them so that they can achieve their projects, and we handle in the best way possible their savings.

In 2009, we will consolidate what we've gained, for example our market share which is of 15% both for placing and credits. Moreover, we'll develop new products from plastic money and e-banking, meanwhile maintaining our interventions in favour of the sectors of energy, telecommunications, and private individuals.

The transfer of strategic participation that followed the partial disinvestment of the State in the capital of the BIM SA - or, plainly, privatization - is neither an asset nor a burden for the Bank. It is both at the same time. The most important is the approach and the contents.

As a social mandatary representative of the State of Mali, I don't feel wrong speaking about such an operation, even if it is the one of the main shareholder. However, the consequence of that is the switch in the control of the bank, but fundamentally the bank, in its current situation, can't really suffer from it. The BIM SA is an exception. It is the proof the State can handle a banking business well and obtain results.

As an executive of this country, having been called to join one the oldest bank of the communitarian space, which thus belongs to the national heritage, I can only be
delighted by the recent results and congratulate our staff for being able to create the permissive conditions of a disinvestment of the State in the capital of the BIM SA, all of this in the best way possible. There is no doubt the State will ensure the strengthening and the safety of the fundamental interests of the clients, staff and shareholders. As far as I'm concerned, I'm very grateful to the Highest Authorities of the Country for giving me the opportunity to make myself heard amongst my generation.

You have to put things into perspective, the Malian banking system made a lot of efforts as regards funding. But we are handling placing from third-party payers and must be
careful. Our area is doing just fine when compared to what's going on in Europe and in the United States. It is no euphemism to remember the fragility of banks. And very often, we forget the transversal and systemic feature of the consequences resulting from the difficulties of the banks on other economic areas.

On the level of the UEMOA (the economic and monetary West African Union), we have to praise the remarkable and permanent work of the organ of surveillance and control of the community. The good health of the banking system of the union is the best proof of that.