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IFC: Armeconombank: First Armenian Bank To Join Global Trade Finance

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  • IFC: Armeconombank: First Armenian Bank To Join Global Trade Finance

    IFC: ARMECONOMBANK: FIRST ARMENIAN BANK TO JOIN GLOBAL TRADE FINANCE PROGRAM

    International Finance Corporation (IFC)
    http://www.ifc.org/
    May 30 2006

    The International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of
    the World Bank Group, today announced that Armeconombank will be the
    first Armenian issuing bank to join IFC's Global Trade Finance Program.

    IFC has approved an uncommitted trade finance line of up to $1
    million for Armeconombank to facilitate the bank's trade finance
    operations worldwide. Armeconombank is a private bank that focuses
    on small and medium-size enterprises. This is IFC's second project
    with Armeconombank.

    Sabrina Borlini, IFC's trade officer for the program in Europe, said,
    "The Global Trade Finance Program will help Armeconombank expand
    its growing trade finance operations by providing an attractive
    and flexible new product that the bank can offer to its clients. By
    joining our global program, the bank will also have access to a wide
    network of international corresponding banks."

    The Global Trade Finance Program supports trade with emerging
    markets by supporting flows of goods and services to and from
    developing countries. IFC provides guarantee coverage of bank risk in
    emerging markets, allowing recipients to expand their trade finance
    transactions within an extensive network of countries and banks, as
    well as to enhance their trade finance service to their clients. IFC
    issued the program's first guarantee in September 2005. Since then,
    IFC has issued guarantees in excess of $180 million related to more
    than 245 transactions.

    Edward Nassim, IFC's Director of the Central and Eastern Europe
    Department, said, "Availability of trade finance products in Armenia
    is important for further development of the domestic economy. This
    will allow local companies and entrepreneurs to obtain access to
    financing for their trade operations and so help modernize Armenia's
    industrial base. I am very pleased that we pilot this product in
    Armenia with Armeconombank, our reliable partner in other transactions
    in the region."

    Armeconombank's Chief Executive Officer, Ashot Osipyan, said, "We
    highly appreciate an opportunity to continue working with IFC on
    trade finance operations in Armenia. We are proud to become IFC's
    first partner bank in Armenia in the Global Trade Finance Program.

    This financing will help us increase the bank's client base and
    broaden regional experience. The bank will continue focusing on trade
    finance activities in the future to remain a leader in this area in
    the country."

    About Armeconombank Armeconombank is one of the largest, privately
    controlled banks in Armenia. It is the 5th largest bank in Armenia
    in terms of assets, with 41 branches across the country and 560
    employees. Today the bank focuses on serving SMEs, retail clients,
    and financial institutions.

    The bank had the net worth of approximately $12 million and total
    assets of approximately $77 million equivalent as of the end of 2005.

    About IFC The International Finance Corporation is the private sector
    arm of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington,
    D.C. IFC coordinates its activities with the other institutions of the
    World Bank Group but is legally and financially independent. Its 178
    member countries provide its share capital and collectively determine
    its policies.

    The mission of IFC is to promote sustainable private sector investment
    in developing and transition countries, helping to reduce poverty
    and improve people's lives. IFC finances private sector investments
    in the developing world, mobilizes capital in the international
    financial markets, helps clients improve social and environmental
    sustainability, and provides technical assistance and advice to
    governments and businesses. From its founding in 1956 through FY05,
    IFC has committed more than $49 billion of its own funds and arranged
    $24 billion in syndications for 3,319 companies in 140 developing
    countries. IFC's worldwide committed portfolio as of FY05 was $19.3
    billion for its own account and $5.3 billion held for participants
    in loan syndications. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

    Armenia became an IFC member in 1995. The Corporation began investing
    in the country in 2000. As of May 2006, IFC has invested $9 million
    in 3 projects. IFC continues to explore the investment opportunities
    in partnership with strategic investors in both the financial and
    real sectors of the country. In addition to the investment program,
    IFC has been providing advisory services on corporate governance,
    improvement of the investment climate. For more information, visit
    www.ifc.org/europe.
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