The European Investment Bank has granted two credit lines to Banque de Tahiti:

1- One of EUR 8 million earmarked for part-financing of operations for the implementation of small and medium-scale environmental projects in French Polynesia, particularly in the renewable energy, water treatment and waste sectors, e.g. construction of wind and photovoltaic farms and deployment of green transport;

2- A second EUR 6 000 000 credit line for project financing, e.g. provision of working capital requirements and/or purchase of equipment for small and micro-enterprises, defined as companies with fewer than 10 employees, active in French Polynesia in productive sectors such as retail, services, food processing, agriculture, fisheries, industry, construction, transport and tourism as well as any services connected with these sectors.

Pim van Ballekom, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank with responsibility for lending operations in the Pacific, declared: "Ensuring access to finance for SMEs and encouraging business diversification is crucial for economic development in the Pacific. The European Investment Bank is pleased to work closely with Banque de Tahiti in support of small business growth in French Polynesia."

“Its economic commitment and this partnership with the European Investment Bank confirms Banque de Tahiti's continuing support for investment by the Polynesian people, be they projects with simple or more ambitious local or international objectives”, said Patrice Tépélian, Managing Director of Banque de Tahiti. "Banque de Tahiti offers solutions tailored to its customers' needs, whether individuals, professionals or businesses, because their needs and projects match their ambitions and Banque de Tahiti is there with them every step of the way in their development. "

The partnership of the two banks is continuing in 2014. The partnership between Banque de Tahiti and the European Investment Bank forms part of French Polynesia's strategy to support economic growth and employment by financing productive investment.

Companies that enter into loans with Banque de Tahiti backed by EIB financing will benefit from favourable conditions. Investment projects carried out by the final beneficiaries will have to meet the standards generally applied by the EIB.