Bank CenterCredit SME/MSE Loan

complete

The project envisages a senior unsecured loan to Bank Center Credit (“BCC”) in the total amount of USD 50 million with maturity of 5 years to be used for on-lending to micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSME) across Kazakhstan. The project will support the development and expansion of BCC’s MSME business at a time when access to financing for small businesses has become particularly difficult in Kazakhstan. A special focus will be given to the distribution of funds through branches outside of Almaty and Astana, the financial and the administrative capitals of Kazakhstan. The project will be supported by Technical Assistance aimed at the introduction of credit scoring methodology to upgrade the bank’s existing systems and policies for MSE lending, and thus, enabling BCC to reach an increased number of MSEs. Bank Center Credit is a universal mid-size bank with historical focus on Micro and SME lending and individuals. The bank operates a wide network of branches in Kazakhstan, and, thus, has a great potential to serve MSMEs nationwide, including in remote regions. BCC is the sixth largest bank in Kazakhstan with total assets and equity of USD 7.3 billion and USD 591 million respectively as of end 2007. A senior loan of USD 50 million. USD 50 million. Bank Centre Credit is the Bank’s existing client. BCC is already implementing as well is required to continue to implement the Bank’s Environmental Procedures for Small and Micro Loans, including compliance with the applicable national environmental, health, safety and labour standards and regulations, adherence with EBRD’s Environmental Exclusion and Referral Lists and submission of annual environmental reports to the Bank. BCC will be provided with TC aimed at improving the efficiency of MSE lending by introduction of Credit Scoring Methodology. The bank has previously received TC support under the KSBP programme from the EU, US and Japan. Mr Timur Ishmuratov, Managing Director, Head of International Department Tel: + 7 727 2588952 Fax: +7 727 2597365 Ms Dilyara Yermakova , Deputy Head of International Department Tel: + 7 727 2588952 Fax: +7 727 2597365 Email: dilyara.yermakova@centercredit.kz