Project Description

EPI CENTAR International was engaged by Finance in Motion, through the EFSE Development Facility, to provide technical advisory support related to the implementation of an EFSE-funded credit line for Halkbank AD Skopje. The assignment supported the bank in strengthening its capacity to finance sustainable agriculture investments and in improving the practical application of green finance instruments for agricultural clients in North Macedonia.

The project focused on supporting the use of the EFSE Sustainable Agriculture Green List, improving the capacity of bank staff to identify and assess eligible investments, and strengthening the link between available financial products and the real investment needs of farmers and agribusinesses. The advisory support contributed to the wider objective of improving access to finance for investments that support resource efficiency, productivity, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability in agriculture.

Objectives and Project Focus

The assignment aimed to support the practical implementation of sustainable agriculture finance through:

• Green List Application and Eligibility Assessment: Supporting the interpretation and application of EFSE eligibility criteria for agricultural investments, including irrigation systems, energy-efficient equipment, improved production technologies, and other sustainable agriculture measures.
• Capacity Building of Bank Staff: Strengthening the knowledge of relationship managers and relevant bank teams on how to identify, assess, and present eligible green agriculture investments to clients.
• Client Outreach and Communication: Supporting the bank in better communicating the benefits of sustainable agriculture investments and the available financing opportunities to farmers and agribusiness clients.
• Advisory Support on Investment Cases: Providing technical input on selected investment cases to assess their relevance, eligibility, and potential contribution to sustainable agriculture objectives.
• Operational Recommendations: Identifying practical barriers to stronger use of the credit line and proposing improvements in communication, internal procedures, and client targeting.

EPI CENTAR International had a technical advisory role in the assignment, combining knowledge of agriculture, rural finance, green investment eligibility, and the local farming context. The main activities included technical review of proposed agricultural investments against the EFSE Sustainable Agriculture Green List, guidance to bank staff on the practical assessment of green agriculture measures, preparation of training and advisory inputs, and recommendations for improving the operational use of the credit line.

Results and Added Value

The project contributed to improved understanding among bank staff of sustainable agriculture finance and EFSE eligibility requirements. It supported more consistent assessment of agricultural investment cases under the Green List and helped strengthen Halkbank’s capacity to promote and process sustainable agriculture loans.

The assignment also helped identify practical ways to better align financial products with the investment needs of farmers and agribusinesses. Through this work, EPI CENTAR International contributed to the development of practical green finance solutions for the agriculture sector and supported the wider transition toward more sustainable and resilient agricultural production systems.

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