EBRD allocates $15 million to support small businesses and youth entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) continues to actively promote the development of the private sector in Uzbekistan. As part of the program Youth in BusinessThe bank provided a credit line of up to US $ 15 million to a commercial bank aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young people “Davr Bank”.

The main goal of the initiative is to support small and medium-sized enterprises( SMEs), as well as companies created and managed by young entrepreneurs. The funds will be used to expand access to finance for businesses in various regions of the country, especially in those regions where entrepreneurs traditionally face a limited choice of financial instruments.

Financing from the EBRD will allow Davr Bank to provide targeted loans to private companies, while complying with modern standards of risk assessment and sustainability. Special attention will be paid to ensuring equal access to finance and promoting inclusive growth — including by involving new borrowers previously excluded from the banking system.

The project contributes to creating a more competitive, sustainable and open business environment in Uzbekistan. The introduction of international practices in lending and improving the financial literacy of entrepreneurs creates prerequisites for long-term growth and strengthening the position of small and medium-sized businesses as a key segment of the economy.

According to representatives of the EBRD, support for youth entrepreneurship remains one of the bank's priorities in Central Asia. In Uzbekistan, where the share of the young population is high, such measures help to encourage self-employment, reduce youth unemployment, and promote innovative business models.

The EBRD continues to work with Uzbek financial institutions to increase access to capital, increase business activity and create an enabling environment for private sector growth.