Includes how major projects are financed and gives examples where relevant. Explains activities of the multilateral development banks in and other aid-funded projects where procurement is open to U.S. bidders.
Last Published: 2/26/2018

Serbian banks are suffering from excess of capital and shortage of viable projects ready for financing, in spite of this fact, local financing is still substantially more expensive than capital coming from international financing institutions.

The U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) and the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) offer project financing and other financial services.

Ex-Im Bank provides a range of financial programs ranging from medium and long-term guarantees, insurance programs, working capital guarantee to project finance. The Project Finance Division provides financing to projects that are dependent on the project cash flows for repayment.

OPIC supports U.S. investment in emerging markets through project loans and loan guarantees that provide medium to long-term funding to ventures involving significant equity and/or management participation by U.S. businesses. OPIC also provides insurance against a broad range of political risks. Rather than relying on sovereign or sponsor guarantees, OPIC's project financing program looks for repayment from the cash flows generated by the project. For projects sponsored by U.S. small businesses or cooperatives, financing may be provided through direct loans.  Following a break in activities in 2009 because of a dispute over the privatization of the Serbian travel agency Putnik, OPIC resumed its activities in late 2012.

The EBRD has an active program in Serbia, providing assistance in the road, rail, and civil aviation sectors.  EBRD has provided municipal loans to Belgrade as well as developed a working capital fund for companies soon to be privatized.  EBRD assisted with the establishment of ProCredit Bank and maintains an equity position in Eksim Banka, which was purchased by HVB.  In 2006, EBRD became a major shareholder in government-owned Komercijalna Banka by purchasing a 25 percent share for USD 78 million.

EBRD Contact Information in Belgrade:
Mr. Matteo Patrone, Country Director
Blue Center Building, Spanskih boraca 3, 6th Floor
11070 Novi Beograd, Serbia
Tel: +381 11 212 0529
Fax: +381 11 212 0534
Website: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

The Trade & Development Agency (TDA) is an independent U.S. government agency that promotes U.S. exports for major development projects.  TDA funds feasibility studies, training programs, orientation visits, and other project planning services related to U.S. exports.  Contracts funded by TDA grants must be awarded to U.S. companies.  U.S. involvement in project planning helps position potential U.S. suppliers at the project implementation stage.  TDA has been active in Serbia with projects in energy, transportation, airport, and telecommunications sectors.

Contact Information:
Ms. Kendra M. Kintzi
Project Analyst, Contractor
Middle East, North Africa and Europe
U.S. Trade & Development Agency
Tel: (703) 875-4357 Fax: (703) 875-4009
E-mail: kkintzi@ustda.gov 
Website: U.S. Trade and Development Agency 

Multilateral Development Banks:

U.S. Commercial Service Liaison Offices at the Multilateral Development Banks (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, World Bank). Many governments finance public works projects through borrowing from the Multilateral Development Banks. The Commercial Service maintains Commercial Liaison Offices in each of the main Multilateral Development Banks, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank. These institutions lend billions of dollars in developing countries on projects aimed at accelerating economic growth and social development by reducing poverty and inequality, improving health and education, and advancing infrastructure development. The Commercial Liaison Offices help American businesses learn how to get involved in bank-funded projects, and advocate on behalf of American bidders. Learn more by contacting the Commercial Liaison Offices to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank. For more information on project financing please, review Project Financing section of this document.

Web Resources:
Commercial Liaison Office to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Commercial Liaison Office to the World Bank

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.