Microfinance Focus April 23, 2011: IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is providing assistance to LLC IMON International, Tajikistan based microfinance organization, in providing financing and leasing of agricultural equipment in northern Tajikistan, improving farmers’ access to finance and facilitating profitable operations.

IFC Tajikistan Agribusiness Finance and Business Environment Project signed an advisory agreement with IMON International in March, to support the expansion of its agricultural equipment finance portfolio in Ghonchi, Isfara, Istaravshan, Konibodom and Shahristan districts of Sughd province in northern Tajikistan. In addition to providing training sessions, IFC will survey farmers in the region to help IMON International identify and create a database of potential clients for financing and leasing of agricultural equipment.

Raiomand Billimoria, IFC Tajikistan Agribusiness Finance and Business Environment Project Manager said, “IFC surveys have indicated that farmers and processors lack access to finance for new agricultural equipment.”

IFC Tajikistan Agribusiness Finance and Business Environment Project is funded by the European Union, whose goal is to improve the regulatory and policy environment for agriculture as well as promote access to finance through a focus on agri-leasing and equipment finance.

IFC provides advisory services to financial institutions in order to build capacity for agri-leasing and equipment finance, and assists government agencies to implement reforms that benefit the agriculture sector.

IFC’s investment program in Tajikistan in the last three years consist of commitments of $23 million in 11 projects in the financial markets, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.