Currently IFC is implementing the following projects in Belarus.
CURRENT PROJECT
Belarus Business Enabling Environment Project
Belarus Energy Efficiency Survey Project
COMPLETED PROJECTS
CURRENT PROJECT
Belarus Energy Efficiency Survey Project
2008 – present
Supported with funds from IFC
The main goal of the project is to assess the current market for energy efficiency (EE) financing in Belarus and to raise awareness among local financial institutions (FIs), small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and policy makers about existing opportunities for energy efficiency financing in the country. Similar surveys have been conducted in Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia.
By identifying best practices in SME EE and finance, the survey will also provide benchmarks with other countries and might lead to a more comprehensive program to increase EE in Belarus and the region.
More...
The Challenge
Belarus possesses small quantities of oil and natural gas resources. The country used to receive heavily discounted oil and natural gas from Russia and much of Belarus' growth was attributed to the re-export of Russian oil at market prices. However, Russia introduced an export duty on oil shipped to Belarus, which will increase gradually through 2009, and a requirement that Belarusian duties on re-exported Russian oil be shared with Russia - 80 percent will go to Russia in 2008, and 85 percent in 2009. Also Russia more than doubled the price for natural gas sold to Belarus in 2007, and plans to increase prices gradually to global market levels by 2011. Russia's recent policy may result in a slowdown in economic growth in Belarus over the next few years. Some policy measures, including improving overall country EE and diversifying exports, have recently been introduced, but external borrowing has been the main mechanism used to manage the growing pressures on the economy.
As part of IFC’s commitment to support sustainable economic growth, we have accumulated vast experience in financing investments in EE worldwide.
The IFC Approach
- Conduct a survey of local SMEs and FIs and an assessment of EE legislation in Belarus
- Describe the survey’s findings in the authoritative report
- Conduct a series of seminars for targeted FIs to introduce the concept of EE financing
- Conduct a media training for local journalists (on the subject of EE)
- Organize a press conference for interested parties on survey findings
- Publish and disseminate the report of survey results to interested stakeholders
- Increase awareness of EE among targeted FIs, SMEs, government, mass media and general public
- Conduct a larger dissemination event/round table for interested stakeholders.
Anticipated Impact
- Banks begin to explore EE financing
- The awareness of EE among all interested stakeholders: FIs, SMEs, government, mass media, and general public is increased
- Advisory and investment opportunities in the country are developed
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:
- Financial Institutions - to help them develop their own products for financing investments in EE through trainings, joint promotional activities, resource materials, and advice on transactions.
- Industrial clients (SMEs) - to help them improve the efficiency of their own operations, to assist in analyzing EE projects under consideration and in identifying opportunities to save energy;
- Energy generators - to assist them invest in renewable energy technologies and build relationships with potential clients and with FIs.
- National governments - to help them develop policies that stimulate investment in sustainable energy / EE projects, also promote EE through information campaigns.
Belarus Business Enabling Environment Project
www.ifc.org/europe/belarus
2004 - present
Supported with funds from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
The project works to reduce the regulatory burden on SMEs by helping government agencies streamline business registration, permit and inspections systems. It also helps improve SMEs’ access to information and business support services, and provides independent information on the business environment through regular surveys of the SME sector.
More...
