The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development was established in 1991 when communism was crumbling in central and eastern Europe and ex-soviet countries needed support to nurture a new private sector in a democratic environment. Today the EBRD uses the tools of investment to help build market economies and democracies in countries from central Europe to central Asia. The EBRD is the largest single investor in the region and mobilises significant foreign direct investment beyond its own financing. It is owned by 61 countries and two intergovernmental institutions. But despite its public sector shareholders, it invests mainly in private enterprises, usually together with commercial partners.

It provides project financing for banks, industries and businesses, both new ventures and investments in existing companies. It also works with publicly owned companies, to support privatisation, restructuring state-owned firms and improvement of municipal services. The Bank uses its close relationship with governments in the region to promote policies that will bolster the business environment.

For more about the EBRD, please click here.

Other EBRD articles

Private entrepreneurs in the EBRD region look to invest in high-tech
http://www.ebrd.com/new/stories/2008/080519e.htm

From the kitchen to the corporate boardroom: women share their success stories
http://www.ebrd.com/new/stories/2007/080519.htm

Donor report 2008
http://www.ebrd.com/pubs/funding/dr08.htm