EDB plans to invest $1.5 billion in the Belarusian economy within the framework of the five-year strategy till 2026. This was stated by Chairman of the Eurasian Development Bank Nikolai Podguzov.According to him, the pace and number of projects will depend on the interaction with potential borrowers. The year 2022 was not an easy one and it was associated with an increase in rates in global financial markets. "We saw some slowdown in project activity in the first half of the year and a related slowdown in financing. In the second half of the year, we picked up our pace somewhat. Next, we'll see how the situation develops. And depending on this we will finance the projects".
The Bank works primarily with borrowers from the private sector in Belarus. "Belarus has traditionally been strong with its industry, its digital agenda, and therefore projects in the field of industrial cooperation are a top priority for us. Belarus' interests are traditionally present in Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. We see a number of such projects. One of the major projects we plan to start implementing next year is the construction of the Svetlogorsk Paper Mill. The amount of financing here is about $180 million," he said.
Nikolai Podguzov believes that the products of the plant will be very well received in Russia and Kazakhstan. In general, the bank looks forward to 2023 with confidence and hopes to implement its strategy according to plan.
