Khaleej Times, Aug 7, 2022 | Muharram 9, 1444
Emirates Development Bank approves Dh2.4 billion in finance during H1
Emirates Development Bank (EDB) held its board meeting to review results of the
first half of 2022 and monitor the progress of its new strategy which was
launched in April 2021 to support the UAE’s industrial development, accelerate
the adoption of advanced technologies, and empower the growth of SMEs.
The board meeting was held for the first time in the Bank’s new headquarters in
Abu Dhabi located in Mubadala Tower, and was attended by Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al
Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Chairman of the EDB
board of directors.
Among the principal achievements of the Bank which serves as one of the key
financial engines for the UAE’s economic diversification and industrial growth
agenda, was the mobilisation of Dh2.4 billion in loans to the UAE’s industrial
sector in first half of 2022.
"This represents a 418 per cent increase compared to the Dh464 million approved
from the launch of the Bank’s new strategy in 2021. The surge in industrial
financing has increased the bank’s contribution to the UAE National GDP to Dh1.9
billion as of H1 2022, a 356 per cent increase on the Dh425 million as of fiscal
year (FY) 2021," the bank said.
Fulfilling its commitment to financial inclusion and enhancing the bankability
of SMEs, EDB was also able to mobilise Dh351 million in capital in H1 2022 to
support SMEs via its credit guarantee scheme, a 109 percent increase from the
Dh168 million deployed across 2021. These efforts are supported by the delivery
of the EDB’s digital solutions, including its new digital banking app, which
enables SMEs and start-ups to kick-start their business by providing a business
banking account and an IBAN number within 48 hours and then offering a
comprehensive range of fast, secure, and round-the-clock banking services,
including applying for and receiving finance.
During the meeting, the board also discussed its outlook and plan for H2 2022
with key initiatives to deploy assets in vital sectors, as well as to further
the digitisation agenda across the bank.
The initiatives deployed by EDB are part of its new strategy to support the
UAE’s industrial growth, adoption of advanced technology, enhancement of the
role of SMEs and promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship through its
tailored suite of products and services.
According to EDB’s proprietary ‘Developmental Impact Scorecard’, which was
created to ensure that the bank’s financing is focused towards businesses and
projects that maximise economic impact for the UAE, 66 per cent of EDB’s
transactions received a developmental score of at least 4 on a scale of 0-6,
reflecting their positive contribution to the wider UAE economy and immense
developmental impact.
“These results are a testament to the Bank’s progress towards supporting the
UAE’s economic diversification agenda and increasing its global competitiveness.
By expanding access to capital, the bank is helping develop a global hub for
industry, advanced technology, and the industries of future. In the first half
of 2022, we have been able to accelerate this mission and increase our
contribution to national GDP by 356 percent compared to the entirety of 2021,
underlining both the potential of the UAE industrial sector and the bank’s
ability to mobilise finance to support it,” Dr Al Jaber said.
Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB, noted: “We have witnessed tremendous
progress during the first half of 2022. We have approved Dh2.4 billion loans to
the UAE’s industrial sector, which is five times the amount we approved during
2021, highlighting our commitment to the growth of the sector and the potential
that it holds.”
“Over the past period, we worked tirelessly to strengthen our capabilities
partnerships, share our vision with industry leaders, and cement our role in
driving the national economy to reach greater heights and consolidate its
pioneering position. As we look forward to the remainder of this year, we remain
committed to providing an all-encompassing business ecosystem for SMEs and
startups, as well as redouble our efforts to deliver best-in-class solutions to
a wider customer base,” he added.
The board also welcomed the news from S&P Global Ratings affirming an “AA-”
credit rating with a “stable outlook”. — Wam