Rabobank APFT Agribusiness Agency Line

completed

Summary Of Project Information (SPI)Project NameRabobank APFT Agribusiness Agency Line     RegionGlobalSectorProject No007472Projected Board DateJuly 18, 1996Company NameRabobank International (Rabobank)Technical Partner and/or Major Shareholders Rabobank is the second largest bank in the Netherlands with a large international network. It has a triple-A credit rating and is recognized worldwide for its track record in financing agribusiness projects. In 1995, 25% of all Rabobank’s domestic loans and approximately 50% of its loan portfolio outside of the Netherlands were made to companies in the food and agribusiness sector. The Agri-Project Finance Team (APFT) is Rabobank’s dedicated group that provides project financing and financial advisory services to international agribusiness companies. Since the Agribusiness Department’s founding in 1992 to date, Rabobank APFT has made commitments of a total of US$125.3 million in IFC’s B loan participation, of which US$92.0 million was the result of APFT’s participation in 12 projects financed by the Agribusiness Department. Project Cost Including proposed IFC investment US$100 million, to be jointly financed by IFC and Rabobank on a 50:50 basis.Location of project and Description of site Global coverage of countries eligible for IFC investments, with a negative list to be issued by IFC from time to time.Description of Company and Purpose of Project The Project will provide long-term foreign currency loans ranging from US$1 million to US$10 million to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to finance greenfield, expansion, and modernization/rehabilitation projects. IFC will be the lender of record on each sub-loan. Rabobank APFT will administer the facility under criteria and guidelines agreed with IFC. The Facility will extend sound financing to SMEs in developing countries through loans with longer maturities and grace period, thereby better matching financial requirements of Borrowers’ needs and reducing project risks. Through the creation of jobs and promotion of agribusiness industries in developing countries, the Facility will enhance economic growth and foster private sector development. The Project will ensure that sub-projects comply with host country and applicable World Bank environmental policies and standards. IFC Environment Division will provide training to Rabobank staff for application of World Bank review procedures. Environmental Category and Issues This is a Financial Intermediary (FI) category project according to IFC’s environmental review procedure. Rabobank will be required to undertake an environmental review of eligible borrower’s environmental performance and sub-project’s compliance with the applicable host country environmental, health and safety requirements as well as applicable World Bank policies and guidelines. Rabobank has designated a Senior Officer with overall responsibility for environmental affairs, as well as individuals who conduct environmental reviews, to participate in IFC’s environmental management workshop. Rabobank will provide to IFC an environmental management plan and an annual environmental report.Date SPI sent to PIC June 18, 1996For Additional Information contact: Corporate Relations Unit -telephone: (202) 473-7711facsimile: (202) 676-0365