Search
Search
Who we are
Overview: about the EBRDWho we are
Overview: about the EBRD
Our story
Learn about the EBRD's journey to investing more than €220 billion in over 7,800 projects.
- Our background and history
- Our organisation
- Our values
- Strategies, governance and compliance
- Project accountability
What we do
Overview: how the EBRD operatesWhat we do
Overview: how the EBRD operates
How we deliver systemic impact
Across three continents, the EBRD supports the transition to successful market economies.
- Where we work
- Products and services
- Sectors we work in
- Our projects
- Focus areas and initiatives
- Economic research
Work with us
Overview: how you can work with the EBRDWork with us
Overview: how you can work with the EBRD
What we offer for businesses
We draw on three decades of regional knowledge and financial expertise to tailor our products and approaches to each client's needs.
- Businesses
- Investors
- Donors
- Researchers
- Civil Society
- Alumni
- Nominee Directors
- Trade finance
- Careers
Light
Eng
Eng
- EBRD providing a loan of up to US$ 25 million to SQB
- Latest loan under EBRD’s Youth in Business programme
- Funds will help to support youth-led businesses in Uzbekistan
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Uzbekistan that are led or owned by young entrepreneurs will have more opportunities to grow thanks to a US$ 25 million (€21.9 million) loan provided to SQB, the country’s second-largest financial institution, by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
This loan is being provided under the EBRD’s Youth in Business programme in Central Asia for on-lending to MSMEs led or owned by individuals under the age of 35.
SQB will use these funds to increase the scope of its financial products and target young entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan. Young business leaders are particularly important in Central Asia’s most populous country, where young people account for up to 27 per cent of the population.
Eligible sub-borrowers will also benefit from training, advisory services and networking opportunities offered through the Bank’s Advice for Small Businesses programme.
A recent market assessment conducted by the EBRD in Central Asia reveals that while many young people across the region have a strong entrepreneurial mindset, very few have access to the same economic opportunities as older individuals. Indeed, only around 10 per cent of them have access to the necessary training and professional expertise.
The Bank has invested almost €5.6 billion in Uzbekistan to date across 174 projects, with most of the funds supporting private entrepreneurship. The country has been the leading recipient of EBRD funding in Central Asia for the past five years.