OREANDA-NEWS. July 22, 2009. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Belgazprombank signed their next USD 30 MM Loan Agreement to finance Belarusian micro-, small and medium-sized businesses. This is the fifth loan offered directly to Belgazprombank to support and develop its target customer segment – small and medium enterprises, reported the press-centre of Belgazprombank.

Belgazprombank has been cooperating with EBRD in MSME support and development since 1997. During 2004-2007 within the framework of this EBRD programme the partners entered into three loan agreements totaling USD 15 MM. In October 2008 the EBRD Board of Directors approved an unprecedented USD 40 MM credit line, the first USD 10 MM were disbursed in December 2008. The total volume of MSME credit lines opened in favour of Belgazprombank is USD 55 MM.

Belgazprombank plays a very active part in EBRD MSME programme. The share of MSME loans in total bank’s portfolio accounts for 90-95%. Within the framework of the MSME programme Belgazprombank offers its lending products in all regions of the Republic of Belarus with special attention paid to the quality of services provided to customers and enhancement of lending procedures.

Belgazprombank’s success in the field of MSME finance is confirmed by numerous awards: since 2005 for three consecutive years Belgazprombank have been awarded the Best Bank providing its services to entrepreneurs within the national contest Best Entrepreneur of the Year. This evidences the stability and quality of the bank’s MSME activities and its leading positions among other financial institutions. This high status is officially documented in the respective Decree by the president of the Republic of Belarus.