Tunis, Tunisia, September 20, 2019 —IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Conseil du Marché Financier of Tunisia (Financial Market Council) today launched a consultation process for guidelines to develop the country’s green, social and sustainability bonds market.
Green, social and sustainability (GSS) bonds are similar to normal bonds but have an additional commitment to deploying their funds to projects that address climate change, drive positive social outcomes, and contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Through this successful partnership with IFC, the Conseil du Marché Financier has been able to provide the necessary information to both issuers and investors to start the consultation process that will help us develop a comprehensive reference guide which in turn will allow companies to issue these new bonds and support sustainable, inclusive growth in Tunisia,” said Salah Essayel, Chairman of the Conseil du Marché Financier of Tunisia.
“Green, social and sustainability bonds can provide investors with the opportunity to have a positive impact on the economy and climate of Tunisia and enjoy a financial return on their investment,” said Georges Joseph Ghorra, IFC Resident Representative in Tunisia. “We are committed through our close collaboration with the Conseil du Marché Financier to bringing innovation and transparency to this new market.”
IFC has played a leading role in developing green and sustainable bonds in emerging markets and has previously supported the development of green bonds guidelines in several MENA region countries.
Since the launch of its Green Bond Program in 2010, IFC has raised billions of dollars for finance projects that combat climate change, with a cumulative total volume of $9.2 billion raised across 148 bonds in 18 currencies. IFC launched its Social Bond Program in March 2017 and has issued eight social bonds in public and private markets across four currencies, amounting to a total volume of $667 million.
This new initiative was made possible thanks to the support of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, and the Hungarian Export-Import Bank Plc.
About IFC
IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most. In fiscal year 2019, we delivered more than $19 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org .
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