Intesa Leasing and the German development bank KfW have signed a credit line agreement totalling 15 million euros to support investments by local companies in projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and rural development.

A portion of the funds, amounting to 5 million euros, is earmarked for leasing financing initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and investing in renewable energy sources for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and local governments. Upon successful project completion, these entities will also have the opportunity to qualify for grants amounting to 10 percent of the loan amount.

The remaining 10 million euros will be directed towards enhancing the competitiveness of rural areas through the implementation of projects for MSMEs and registered agricultural holdings.

"I am pleased that we continue to build our partnership with the German development bank KfW, providing our clients with access to an additional source of financing for investments in sustainable and rural development projects under even more favourable conditions. As the leading leasing company in the domestic market, we are aware of the responsibility and significance of the support through which we can encourage them to be even more efficient on the path to improving and decarbonising their businesses. The KfW credit line is specifically aimed at activities focused on reducing the carbon footprint, and it fully supports us in these efforts, aligning with the strategic direction of the Intesa Sanpaolo banking group, within which we operate. This group has an integrated goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in its business plans," stated Nebojša Janićijević, Chairman of the Executive Board at Intesa Leasing.