Baku, Azerbaijan, March 29. The European
Investment Bank (EIB) and Banco del Estado de Chile have signed a
$110 million loan agreement in Santiago to finance energy
efficiency and renewable energy projects for small and medium
businesses, industries, and critical raw materials value chain
companies in Chile, Trend reports.
This initiative is part of the EU Global Gateway Investment
Agenda, which aims to develop sustainable local value chains in the
country’s critical raw materials sector.
The agreement was signed by Daniel Hojman, President of Banco
del Estado de Chile, and Thouraya Triki, EIB Director of the
International Partners Department, with European Commissioner for
International Partnership Jozef Sikela in attendance.
The project focuses on supporting Chile’s transition to a
decarbonized economy by improving energy efficiency and increasing
the use of renewable energy. The financing will particularly target
mining companies and those in the critical raw materials supply
chain, helping to decarbonize the sector and facilitate the
country’s clean energy transition.
Jozef Sikela, European Commissioner for International
Partnership, highlighted the importance of the financing, stating
it contributes to both climate action and economic growth in Chile.
He noted that the collaboration between the EU and Chile
strengthens efforts to ensure environmental protection alongside
economic development.
Daniel Hojman, President of Banco del Estado de Chile,
emphasized the bank’s commitment to sustainability and green
financing, adding that this agreement supports Chile’s long-term
transition to a more sustainable economy.
Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice-President of the EIB, also stressed the
loan’s role in enhancing Chile’s energy security and contributing
to the country’s green transition, particularly for small and
medium-sized enterprises in the energy and critical raw materials
sectors.
This agreement is part of the EU’s broader Global Gateway
Investment Agenda, which focuses on projects in sectors such as
energy, climate, digital infrastructure, and education. The EU aims
to mobilize up to 300 billion euros for sustainable investments
globally between 2021 and 2027.