The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is planning to lend Nestlé Uzbekistan €2.5m (US$2.71m) to expand its operations, providing better and more plentiful dairy foodstuffs to Uzbek citizens and boosting its purchases from primary producers.


The loan would be funnelled through the local UzJilSberbank (UJB) and would increase the company’s working capital; it produces dairy products, baby food and bottled mineral water.


A bank memorandum said that the loan would boost “western quality and manufacturing standards throughout the value chain” supporting “the relationship between food processors, retailers and consumers.” It would also promote “import substitution and transfer of skills, in particular for technical processes, hygiene and quality controls.”