EIB and TBC Bank Partner to Boost SME Financing in Georgia

EIB and TBC Bank Partner to Boost SME Financing in Georgia

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a guarantee agreement with TBC Bank, supported by the European Union, to provide favorable financing terms and reduced collateral requirements for the local private sector in Georgia. This partnership will enable TBC Bank to offer over €31 million in financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country, with the EIB guarantee covering 80% of potential loan losses. The initiative aims to promote inclusive economic growth, with a focus on supporting regional entities, women-led businesses, young entrepreneurs, and start-ups. The guarantee operation is part of the SME Access to Finance Initiative under the European Fund for Sustainable Development and aligns with the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership, benefiting 80,000 SMEs in Georgia.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 1-Feb-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a guarantee agreement financially supported by the European Union with TBC Bank, enabling it to extend financing to the local private sector on favourable terms, including with reduced collateral requirements. The EIB guarantee will unlock over €31 million of financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Georgia by providing 80% of the coverage of potential losses on each loan originated by TBC Bank. It will contribute to inclusive economic growth in the country with a specific focus on regional entities, women-led businesses, young entrepreneurs and start-ups.

The guarantee is under the SME Access to Finance Initiative supported by the European Fund for Sustainable Development. This joint programme by the EIB and the European Commission aims to enhance access to finance for SMEs and promote financial inclusion of underserved segments, such as start-ups or youth- and women-led businesses.

The guarantee operation also contributes to sustainable economic recovery under the European Union’s flagship Economic and Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership, which aims to help 80 000 SMEs in Georgia.

EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, responsible for the Bank’s activities in Georgia, remarked: “The EIB is pleased to support women in business, young entrepreneurs and start-ups in Georgia through our joint initiative with the European Commission. To be implemented by one of Georgia’s leading banks, TBC Bank, this guarantee facility will promote financial inclusion for underserved SMEs and increase their contribution to the economy. Supporting the growth of enterprises and diversification of the Georgian economy is particularly important as the country has just recently been granted EU candidate status.”

European Union Ambassador to Georgia Paweł Herczyński said: “The EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership is the backbone of EU-Georgia cooperation to support small businesses, stimulate jobs and growth, promote connectivity and foster Georgia’s green and digital transition. We are pleased to support today’s guarantee agreement, which takes an inclusive approach to providing access to finance and job creation. Economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable is crucial for Georgia’s socio-economic development and for the resilience of Georgia’s economy. Working on these EU priorities – a more inclusive, sustainable economic growth – will help Georgia on its EU path.”

Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, CEO of JSC TBC Bank, said: “We are happy to continue our strategic partnership with the EIB and announce the successful completion of another risk-sharing agreement.  This transaction is testament to the well-established, strong partnership between our organisations and our shared values to strengthen women’s economic empowerment, promote young entrepreneurs and start-ups and support the country’s regional development. Innovative financial instruments of this kind are very important, as it enables TBC to accelerate financing for underserved SMEs, strengthen their competitiveness and support sustainable economic development and job creation in Georgia. I would like to thank the EIB for this extended support, and I’m convinced we will have many more opportunities to work on impactful deals in the future.

Background information

About the EIB and EIB Global

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term financing institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It provides long-term finance for sound investments in pursuit of EU policy goals, supporting projects in four priority areas: infrastructure, innovation, climate and environment, and SMEs.

EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, contributing to the three overarching priorities of the European Union: the European Green Deal, the Global Gateway and jobs, and sustainable and inclusive growth. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society in close cooperation with other multilateral development banks. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices around the world.

About the EIB in Georgia

Since 2010, our operations in Georgia have promoted economic and social development in the country. We have supported key sectors, including energy, transport, water and wastewater management, sustainable agriculture and small businesses. Our financing in Georgia is aligned with the European Neighbourhood Policy, the Eastern Partnership and other EU bilateral agreements.

Our operations are guided by the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy and the EU Economic and Investment Plan for Eastern Partnership. We work hand-in-hand with our partners from Team Europe to promote territorial development and green projects. We also support reforms aimed at strengthening Georgia’s economy as it pursues EU membership.

About the SME Access to Finance Initiative

The SME Access to Finance Initiative is a joint programme launched by the European Investment Bank and the European Union that aims to enhance access to finance for small and medium businesses (SMEs), as well as financial inclusion of underserved segments, such as start-ups or youth- and women-led businesses.

The Initiative helps strengthen the local private sector, enhancing economic resilience and sustaining employment in the European Union’s southern and eastern neighbourhood as well as sub-Saharan Africa.

It is supported by the European Fund for Sustainable Development under the European Union’s External Investment Plan.

Media Contact:

Begum Iman
b.iman@eib.org
+352 4379 – 85212

Press Office

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank