EBRD Backs Uzbekistan Pharma Industry With €20 Mln Loan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending financial support to Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical sector with a loan of up to €20 mln for its long-term partner Samarkand England Eco-Medical (SEEM) and its affiliated company Bayan Medical.

The financing will help the companies expand local production of intravenous solutions such as sodium chloride, glucose and amino acids, along with a range of generic and specialised medicines produced in tablet and capsule form.

Expanding production capacity

The funds will be used to purchase new production lines for SEEM, including facilities for in-glass intravenous solutions, antibiotics, syrups, suspensions, medical water, nasal sprays, suppositories and ointments. At the same time, Bayan Medical will modernise its manufacturing facilities with energy-efficient upgrades.

Part of the financing will enable Bayan Medical to install a blow-fill-seal ampoule production line and acquire other specialised equipment. Both companies will also restructure their balance sheets as part of the project.

Reducing reliance on imports

The initiative aims to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing in Uzbekistan, where roughly 75% of medical products are currently imported. By expanding local production capacity, the project is expected to support further localisation and modernisation of the industry.

Alongside industrial upgrades, Bayan Medical plans to introduce an internship programme for university graduates, provide specialised training for staff and expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The EBRD has invested nearly $6.9 bn (€5.8 bn) in Uzbekistan through 205 projects to date, with the majority of financing directed toward private sector development. Uzbekistan has also been the largest recipient of EBRD funding in Central Asia for each of the past six years.