IFC in talks with some banks on crediting energy saving projects in Ukraine's housing sector
Kyiv, April 28 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is in talks with Ukreximbank, OTP Bank and ProCredit Bank on crediting of energy saving projects in Ukraine's housing sector, Deputy Regional Development, construction and Housing and Utilities Minister Olha Romaniuk said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.
She said that the talks are being held as a part of the Energy Efficiency in Ukraine's Residential Housing project. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO in Switzerland finances the project and IFC is the executor of the project.
Romaniuk said that today various energy project financing mechanisms are being discussed, in particular, the option of creating a state fund to stimulate energy saving measures.
"The IFC is discussing the issue of commercial banks providing low-interest credits. Talks with the National Bank of Ukraine on the reduction of the discount rate for the said credits are being held. Maybe a potential state fund will partially cover the interest rates on the credits," she said.
Romaniuk said that it is expected that first agreements with financial organizations will be signed in September.
The IFC told Interfax-Ukraine that this concerns the crediting of Ukrainian homeowner associations to realize a wide range of energy saving projects: the insulation of walls, attics, and basements, the replacement of windows and doors, and the installation of heat meters and heat regulators.
The IFC said that cooperation with banks will be facilitated if the parliament adopts a law on Ukrainian homeowner associations.
Ukraine became an IFC member in 1993.