VKF_FRAE_2018_uyg11

VakıfBank Annual Report 2018 47 As part of the SME Energy Efficiency Loan agreement with World Bank, VakıfBank provided financing to the energy efficiency investments of enterprises. The Bank extended funds to the projects of energy service companies (ESCO) using energy performance contracts. VakıfBank financed the business, export and investment loan needs of micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses, cooperatives, producers’ associations and farmers via the facility from French Development Agency (AFD) secured to bolster rural development and agricultural sectors in Turkey. In 2018, the year of its 64 th foundation anniversary, VakıfBank offered SMEs the 64 th Anniversary Loan featuring a 36-month payback period, affordable interest rates, and a documentation fee of only TL 64. The Bank financed SMEs’ summer season cash needs with the Summer Loan Campaign at attractive interest rates with various options, including a three-month grace period. To meet the rising cash needs of SMEs and help them overcome financial bottlenecks in the latter months of the year, the Bank offered SMEs the “Take It Out Now, Pay It Back in 2019” loan, featuring a rare four- month grace period. The Bank offered loans at advantageous terms to craftsmen under its Compassionate Loans to Craftsmen effort, which was designed to meet craftsmen’ unexpected financial needs in interim periods with customized products. To boost Turkey’s export volume and increase the number of exporting companies as well as helping SMEs join the international e-commerce network and go digital, VakıfBank offered TOBB member companies a free one-year membership on the alibaba. com platform. This special offer was extended in accordance with the agreement signed by TOBB and alibaba.com’ s only business partner in Turkey, E-Glober. This collaboration enables SMEs to go digital and engage in e-commerce across the world. With this effort, VakıfBank became the strength on the side of SMEs in the digital world as well. Goals for 2019 • With the vision of being the Leading Bank of Strong Turkey, VakıfBank, which is the strength of SMEs will continue to support SMEs and act with the aim of delivering high quality services in 2019 by closely monitoring their needs. Accordingly, in 2019, the Bank will carry on its efforts to provide financial and non-financial services to SMEs and also offer consultancy service to SMEs by meeting their needs that may arise during their operations. • As a natural result of its ongoing progress and diversification in technology, the Bank will provide practical solutions to SMEs via its digital channels. In 2019, the Commercial Mobile Banking application will be upgraded, and SMEs will be able to access numerous products and services that they need wherever they are located. SME Loans (TL Billion) 2018 59.4 2017 48.3