EBRD, EU and Bank Respublika to support Azerbaijani MSMEs

• EBRD lends up to US$ 7.5 million to longstanding client Bank Respublika
• EU-backed programme provides technical support and investment grants
• First SMECI project in Azerbaijan, expanding local MSMEs' access to finance

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a loan of up to US$ 7.5 million (€7 million) in local currency to Bank Respublika, one of Azerbaijan 's leading commercial banks. That partner bank will lend the proceeds on to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The loan agreement was signed at the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku (COP29), with the financing being provided under the Eastern Partnership SME Competitiveness and Inclusion Programme (SMECI). That programme is supported by the European Union (EU) through grant funding to ensure that MSMEs have access to the resources and guidance needed for successful implementation of projects.

The EU's support has been instrumental in unlocking new opportunities across the Caucasus. Just weeks ago, the EBRD and Bank Respublika signed a US$ 7.5 million (€7 million) MSME loan under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) Guarantee Programme.

This financing package is the first SMECI project in Azerbaijan. By bolstering MSMEs' access to finance, the EBRD, the EU and Bank Respublika are continuing to build resilience in Azerbaijan's MSME sector, strengthening private-sector development and diversification of the economy.

Francis Malige, Managing Director for Financial Institutions at the EBRD, said: "I'm happy to be here at COP29 in Baku, providing support for MSMEs with the EU and our trusted partner Bank Respublika. Together, we're strengthening the foundations of a sustainable and inclusive economy in Azerbaijan."

Tariel Ismayilov, Chairman of the Management Board of Bank Respublika said: "For the second year in a row, we have been EBRD's top partner in trade financing, and we are pleased to begin cooperation in green technology. It is especially gratifying for us, as this agreement was signed at COP29 held in our country. Like previous EBRD loans, this loan will support Azerbaijani entrepreneurs, helping them to grow their businesses by adopting eco-friendly technologies. We deeply value our partnership with EBRD-a leading global financial institution and a pioneer in green economy financing-and we appreciate their support," noted

Peter Michalko, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Azerbaijan said said: "Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises have the potential to create jobs and drive economic growth and that is why this loan is an important achievement. The EU places a strong focus on supporting business - a key part of the implementation of the EU's Economic and Investment Plan for Azerbaijan."

Bank Respublika is a longstanding EBRD partner and one of Azerbaijan's leading commercial banks. It has a strong focus on the SME sector and financial inclusion, supporting the growth of local businesses across the country.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Azerbaijan, having invested over €3.7 billion in 191 projects there.