56 / 106
56
“We believe that economic
inclusion is a vital component of
transition and this is an area the
EBRD will continue to pursue
vigorously with donor support.” This
was the key message delivered by
Alan Rousso, Managing Director of
External Relations and Partnerships
of the EBRD, when speaking about
the recent development in the EBRD’s
banking operations.
Following the financial crisis and
subsequent European debt crisis,
countries, local companies and small
businesses in the EBRD’s region
became more hesitant to long-term
borrowing. At the same time, tighter
financial sector regulation made
banks more reticent to lend, which
disproportionally affected small and
startup businesses.
Facing these challenges, the
EBRD has responded with a range
of tools and approaches to prepare
financial institutions and businesses,
small or large, for a return to growth.
Many of the EBRD’s activities involve
the banking sector as a means to
help companies acquire the financing
they require.
Mr. Rousso expresses that the
EBRD’s private sector focus sets it
apart from most other international
financial institutions. As an institution,
the EBRD has to be flexible, dynamic,
and constantly innovate along with
the market in order to accomplish its
mission.
Bilateral partnership in new
sectors
Mr. Rousso points out that the
TaiwanICDF has cooperated with the
EBRD in financial institution projects
and has recently extended its scope
to green energy and agribusiness
sectors.
In the area of green energy, the
TaiwanICDF, through contributing
to the Green Energy Special Fund,
co-finances with the EBRD to the
Almaty Kala Zharyk Company, which
manages municipal street lighting in
the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan. Loan
proceeds are used to renovate public
LED street lighting and the street
lighting control center, addressing
the issues of rising electric costs and
tightening municipal budgets.
In the area of agribusiness, the
development of the SME sector is
fundamental to promoting healthy
economies and sustainable and
inclusive growth of markets across
the region where the EBRD invests.
Access to finance remains a key
growth constraint for agricultural
enterprises in the countries where
the EBRD invests. Increased
access to financing will enable small
businesses to improve efficiency,
increase productivity, expand and
create new jobs.
At the same time, the assistance
from the TaiwanICDF has allowed
private sectors across the region
where the EBRD invests to learn
the innovative agricultural and food
production technologies developed
in Taiwan, while facilitating the
exchange on knowledge and
international best practices in the
region.
Mr. Rousso stresses that with
nearly 20 years of cooperative
relationship, the TaiwanICDF has
been a great partner of the EBRD in
assisting the transition of developing
countries. He has high expectations
for future projects and deeply
appreciates the TaiwanICDF’s efforts
over the years.
Alan Rousso, Managing Director, External Relations
and Partnerships, European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (EBRD)
Inclusion as the key to economic
transition
2
Interview