Bank Respublika and EIB Global conclude a new loan
agreement to support entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan


Baku, 19 March 2026 — Bank Respublika and EIB
Global, the arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB) financing
projects outside the European Union, have signed a new credit
agreement aimed at supporting micro, small and medium-sized
enterprises (MSMEs) in Azerbaijan.


Through Bank Respublika’s extensive regional network, the funds
will help improve access to financing for entrepreneurs operating
across the country. A key feature of the agreement is that the
currency risk will be managed through a hedging mechanism provided
by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan.


EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer, who oversees the
Bank’s operations in the Eastern Partnership region,
said:


“Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are at the heart
of Azerbaijan’s economy. Through the successful partnership with
Bank Respublika, the EIB is helping local businesses access the
funding they need to grow, create jobs and innovate. Providing
financing in local currency is especially important, as it supports
the resilience of businesses and strengthens the country’s private
sector.”


EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan Marijana Kujundžić
said:







“Developing deeper and more resilient financial markets is
key to supporting Azerbaijan’s economic transformation. The Central
Bank’s new local currency hedging mechanism is an important
innovation that can help banks better manage exchange rate risks
and expand lending in local currency. Initiatives like this,
combined with partnerships with institutions such as the EIB,
contribute to a stronger environment for private sector
growth.”


Chairman of the Management Board of Bank Respublika,
Tariyel Ismayilov, noted:

“We highly value the trust of EIB Global, which considers Bank
Respublika one of its key partners in Azerbaijan. I would also like
to highlight the Central Bank’s modern, flexible and proactive
approach to market needs. The introduction of the currency risk
hedging mechanism expands opportunities for international financing
and strengthens lending to businesses in local currency.”


📌 For more information:

🌐 Website: www.bankrespublika.az

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