EBRD and Unibank to Support Trade Financing in Azerbaijan

A new partnership agreement has been reached between Unibank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) aimed at supporting trade operations. For the first time in Azerbaijan, the EBRD has allocated a trade financing limit of USD 5 million (approximately EUR 4.4 million) to Unibank under the Trade Facilitation Program (TFP). This agreement with Unibank, one of Azerbaijan's systemically important banks, was signed during the EBRD’s 2025 Annual Meeting in London.

This collaboration will allow Unibank to finance international trade operations in the private sector more effectively and expand its relationships with global banks. At the same time, the initiative will support the development of the country’s non-oil sector and increase import-export activities.

George Orlov, EBRD's Financial Institutions Director for Central Asia, Caucasus and Turkiye said: “I’m pleased to welcome our colleagues from Unibank at the EBRD Annual Meeting in London. This is our second agreement this year and this time we are opening a trade finance line to support foreign trade. “I trust this transaction will allow Unibank to expand its trade finance business and contribute to the growth of export-import operations in Azerbaijan.”

Emin Rasulzade, Chief Investment Officer of Unibank, commented: "It is a source of pride for us that our collaboration with the EBRD has reached a new stage. The recognition and support of such a prestigious institution as the EBRD for the steps we have taken to develop our clients' foreign trade operations is of great importance to us. This partnership plays a key role in Unibank's strategy to develop Azerbaijan’s non-oil sector.”

"The EBRD’s Trade Facilitation Program currently operates in 27 countries and covers a broad network of over 125 issuing banks and more than 800 confirming banks. The program facilitates international trade through guarantees provided to local banks and encourages access to new markets.

The EBRD is one of the leading institutional investors in Azerbaijan, having invested nearly EUR 4 billion in approximately 200 projects across various sectors of the economy. The bank's updated strategy for Azerbaijan focuses on supporting the country's non-oil sector, local financial institutions, and increasing investments in the green economy.

Unibank CB OJSC is one of Azerbaijan’s leading commercial banks. Over nearly 33 years of operation, the bank has provided a wide range of banking services to both individual and corporate clients. Unibank is known for its projects in digital banking and support for entrepreneurship. The bank is open to international partnerships and creates new financial opportunities for local businesses through collaborations with foreign financial institutions.