EBRD Provides $50 Mln Loan to Boost SMEs in Uzbekistan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will extend a $50 mln loan to Ipak Yuli Bank to strengthen small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Uzbekistan, the institution’s press service told Kursiv Uzbekistan.

Of this sum, $15 mln will support the country’s green economy, including production upgrades and measures to improve energy efficiency. The first tranche is provided under the HIPCA programme, funded by the United States, South Korea, Austria and Germany.

The remaining $35 mln will go towards SME development. The EBRD noted that Ipak Yuli Bank will receive the funds in Uzbek soums.

According to the bank, the loan will help reinforce Uzbekistan’s economic resilience and create jobs for the population.

As of early December 2025, the EBRD has supported 193 projects in Uzbekistan with total financing exceeding $6.5 bn.

Kursiv also reports that in 2024 the EBRD directed a record $2.26 bn to Central Asia, with $938 mln allocated to Uzbekistan.