(Ecofin Agency) - The leasing company, Arab Tunisian Lease (ATL Leasing), has again contracted a loan with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This time, the company secured a €5 million credit line to improve liquidity and access to financing for many SMEs in difficulty. The partnership agreement was signed between the two parties on December 15, 2020.

The loan granted to ATL Leasing will finance the acquisition of movable and immovable assets. It is granted within the framework of the European Union's assistance program for SMEs in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region (SEMED).

In Tunisia, SMEs account for more than half of jobs and 40% of GNP. They are estimated at more than 80,000.

ATL Leasing, whose reference shareholder is Arab Tunisian Bank, is a long-standing partner of the EBRD. The European financial institution has committed itself alongside the Bank to finance SMEs in Tunisia.

"We are pleased to continue our partnership with ATL Leasing. This credit line, which is part of our response to support the Tunisian economy, will facilitate access to financing for small businesses," commented Antoine Sallé de Chou (pictured), EBRD Head of Tunisia.

Chamberline MOKO