Further EBRD support for MSMEs and young entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan

• EBRD providing a credit line of up to US$ 15 million to Davr Bank
• Funds will support MSMEs and youth-led companies in Uzbekistan
• New growth opportunities for local grassroots businesses

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing fresh funds in support of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and young entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan by offering a credit line of up to US$ 15 million (€13.1 million) to privately owned financial institution Davr Bank.

This credit line will consist of two elements, the first being a senior loan of up to US$ 10 million (€8.7 million) under the EBRD’s Youth in Business programme in Central Asia that targets MSMEs led or owned by individuals under the age of 35.

In addition to financing, those young entrepreneurs will also benefit from training, advisory services and networking opportunities offered through the Bank’s Advice for Small Businesses programme.

The remaining US$ 5 million (€4.4 million) will be used to support small and medium-sized enterprises of all kinds, which are responsible for approximately 56 per cent of Uzbekistan’s GDP.

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.