Friday, April 3 2015 17:40
Ardshinbank and OFID sign US$ 10 million loan agreement
ArmInfo. Ardshinbank and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) signed a US$10 million loan agreement on March 31, 2015 in Vienna. The agreement was signed by Mr. Suleiman Jasir Al-Herbish, the Director- General of the OPEC Fund for International Development and Mr. Mher Grigoryan, the Chairman of the Management Board of Ardshinbank, the Bank's press-office told ArmInfo.
The new facility will be used for financing the construction and operation of small-scale hydropower plants (SHPPs), run by small- and medium enterprises in Armenia. The Bank and the Fund have been cooperating since 2010, and the total volume funds under management have reached US$ 20 million, following the signing of this agreement.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at OFID's headquarters, Mr. Grigoryan mentioned that strategic importance of hydro energy development in Armenia cannot be underestimated, given the importance of having alternative sources to meet the growing demands of Armenian economy.
"I do highly appreciate the fact that the funds extended by OFID will contribute to the development of the Armenian energy sector, by facilitating greatly the access to long- term funding for SMEs. This agreement is yet another proof of successful cooperation between OFID and Ardshinbank, which, I have no doubt, will be of mutual benefit and has sound development prospects".
Mr. Al-Herbish, in turn, expressed his deep satisfaction for having another opportunity to support development of economy and energy sector of Armenia. "During my visits to Armenia I was convinced of the importance of the energy sector there. I am delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to the development of the renewable energy through promotion of small scale hydropower projects".
Established in 2002, Ardshinbank is one of the leading banks in Armenia and has a large distribution network with over 55 branches all over the country and a strong SME customer base.
The OPEC Fund for International Development is the development finance institution established by the Member States of OPEC in 1976 to contribute to the economic and social development and provide financial support to the developing countries.
Established in 2002, Ardshinbak is one of the leading banks in Armenia. It has a large distribution network with over 55 branches all over the country and a strong Corporate, SME and Retail customer base. It has a Ba3 rating with Stable Outlook from Moody's. In the beginning of 2014, Ardshinbank has also raised USD 18 million in a syndicated loan, becoming the first bank in Armenia to have closed such a transaction without multilateral agency support. The bank is among top ten banks in terms of the SME finance - about 40 bln drams on Jan 1 2015 (a 26% yoy growth). SME finance accounts for about 20% of Ardshinbank's total loan book. The bank is ranked the second in the banking system of Armenia in terms of the total capital - 47.4 bln drams ($99.8 mln, a 7.4% yoy growth). It is on the 3rd place by assets - 369.1 bln drams ($777.1mln, up 37%), by loan book - 248 bln drams ($522 mln, up 38.5%). In 2014, Ardshinbank ensured 4,2 bln drams net profits ($8.8 mln) - 4th rank. The majority shareholder of the bank is Business Investments Center LLC - 97.52%.
Expert: When there is no trust between private and public sectors, unfortunately, there is no need to talk about right decisions
Expert on Armenia`s international trade growth against "miserable trade pattern" 
Expert: Armenia should use Georgian, Turkish transit opportunities
Yerevan is trying to demonstrate to its Anglo-Saxon `bosses` its readiness to reduce economic cooperation with Iran - political scientist
Gevorg Mantashyan: High-Tech Ministry makes consistent efforts for emergence and progress of startups in Armenia
Bank of Georgia announces proposed acquisition of Ameriabank for $303.6 million