IFC is implementing or has completed the following advisory projects: The Challenge The energy sector is crucial for the strategic goals of Azerbaijan both as input for non-oil growth and jobs and as consumption for poor households. Challenges include implicit subsidies (estimated at 11 percent of GDP in 2001) resulting from a combination of non payments, tariff cross-subsidies, and excessive operating losses. In addition to policy and operational issues, there are significant environmental issues in the energy sector of Azerbaijan because of the outdated technologies, inefficient equipment, limited pollution control mechanisms, inadequate waste management, and the poor quality of raw materials. Environmental degradation has been growing as many households have attempted to cope with reduced gas supplies by switching to fuel, wood, or oil. Though the Azerbaijani Energy Efficiency market has been growing, international organizations (such as IFC) which provide advisory services and share the international best practices with the local energy sector could give the sector a much needed boost. As part of IFC’s commitment to support sustainable economic growth, we have accumulated vast experience in financing investments in energy efficiency worldwide.
IFC's Expertise in Energy Efficiency As part of IFC’s commitment to support sustainable economic growth, we have accumulated vast experience in financing investments in EE worldwide. IFC’s EE projects are structured around: Azerbaijan Business Enabling Environment Project www.ifc.org/azbee 2008 - present Supported with funds from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) and BP on behalf of its co-venturers The project works to improve the business climate in Azerbaijan by streamlining select administrative procedures, such as registration, permits and licensing, thereby removing key regulatory barriers to business entry and operations. Micro Finance Bank of Azerbaijan/Supplier Finance Facility Project 2007 – present Supported with funds from BP and its Oil & Gas Partners The project leverages the large oil and gas presence in Azerbaijan to help develop local SMEs around BP’s supply chain. The project works to expand access to finance for local suppliers through the $15 million Supplier Finance Facility and Micro Finance Bank of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan and Central Asia Primary Mortgage Market Development Project Phase 1, 2005 – 2006, supported with funds from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) Phase 2, 2006 – present, supported with funds from the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) The project focuses on improving the housing finance legislative framework in Azerbaijan and Central Asia by building institutional capacity for mortgage lending and raising mortgage awareness. By partnering with policymakers, banks, and key stakeholders in the mortgage market, the project works to increase access to affordable housing in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Azerbaijan-Central Asia Leasing Facility www.ifc.org/acalf 2005 – present Supported with funds from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) The project facilitates the development of the leasing industry in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan by strengthening the capacity of selected financial institutions, improving their Management Information Systems, and facilitating improvements in the regulatory framework for leasing in each country. Azerbaijan Corporate Governance Project www.ifc.org/acgp 2003 - present Supported with funds from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) The project works to improve corporate governance practices at Azerbaijani joint stock companies and banks, thus helping them enhance their operations and increase their ability to attract financing and investment. To strengthen the national level of corporate governance, the project works with policymakers to improve corporate governance regulations throughout Azerbaijan. The project partners with educational institutions to assist them in developing corporate governance courses. The project also conducts a national public awareness campaign on the importance of corporate governance. SME Linkage Program 2002 Funded by IFC and Private Oil Companies This program, which is linked to IFC’s proposed investments in the Azeri, Chirag, and Deepwater Gunashli (ACG ) oilfield and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline projects, is part of the Corporation’s strategy of working closely with clients and partners to provide developmental support through linkages to major investment projects. Linkage projects have been particularly successful in the extractive industries. The support is directed at expanding local supply and distribution chains to create more opportunities for smaller businesses and to assist in sustainable community development efforts. Specifically, the Azerbaijan small and medium enterprise linkage program is designed to improve the capacity and know-how of local Azeri companies active in the oil and gas service and supply sectors in order to help them benefit from investments in the oil industry. The Program’s clients benefit from (i) provision of targeted advisory services, (ii) improved access to finance and (iii) the creation of local business development service providers. |