Бизнес

For more than a month in Velingrad operates an office of Raiffeisenbank. We are talking to his manager Mr. Detelin Dimov.
- Mr. Dimov, how does a European bank develop in Bulgaria?
- Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) EAD reported excellent results for the first half of 2003. The bank's operating profit is BGN 11.4 million, which is 2.24 times more than the same period of the previous year.
The bank's loan portfolio exceeded BGN 501 million and continues to grow, maintaining its high quality. Thus, Raiffeisenbank established itself as one of the leading cedars of the Bulgarian business. Along with financing large, medium and small enterprises, the bank also reported high growth in lending to citizens and especially in consumer lending, thanks to facilitated procedures and attractive interest rates.
Important for shareholders is the quality of the loan portfolio, which is among the best in the banking system with defaults below 0.3%. In the last 5 years, we have not lost a single dollar, despite the increased credit expansion. The bank's assets increased to BGN 673 million, marking a 22% growth in the first 6 months of 2003.
The branch network of "Raiffeisenbank" has expanded by 6 offices since the beginning of the year, bringing their total number to 36. The office in Velingrad has been in operation since 12 June 2003.
- What new products does Raiffeisenbank offer on the market, incl. in Velingrad and the municipality?
- In April, Raiffeisenbank started offering its numerous individual clients consumer loans for current needs up to BGN 30,000 with a maximum term of up to 10 years. With this product, the bank complements the range of credit products for citizens, which also includes mortgage thieves for the purchase and repair of residential properties, garages and studios. The great interest of customers confirms the fact that consumer loans are among the most sought after in the market, and the potential for development is significant.
Characteristically, among the borrowers are both already existing customers and newly attracted, for whom high quality and speed of service are of particular importance. The latest market research shows that over 3/4 of borrowers prefer Raiffeisenbank because of the convenience and quality of banking. For the rapidly growing number of individual clients in the offices of the bank, special assistance is provided in which employees can discuss with the client the specific need and offer a specific solution.
- More details about the loans you offer?
Collateral: Loans up to BGN 10,000 are secured by a guarantor, and over this amount - by a mortgage on a real estate property or a pledge of cash or government securities (DCC). Term: The minimum term for payment of consumer loans at Raiffeisenbank is one year. The maximum term for loans secured by guarantor is 5 years, and for loans secured by mortgage or pledge of cash or government securities - 10 years.
Interest conditions: The bank offers a differentiated interest rate, which is determined by the collateral on the loan. For loans secured by a guarantor, the interest rate is 14.5% per year, and for loans secured by a mortgage - 13.5% per year. We offer preferences for all borrowers who receive their monthly wages on an account with Raiffeisenbank.
The bank's requirements to the borrower is to be a capable Bulgarian citizen between the ages of 23 and 63. He must have a contract of employment, a management contract or be a self-employed person, and the income must ensure the smooth repayment of the monthly payment.
- What do you offer to small and medium-sized businesses in the field of lending?
- The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development provided 45 million to Raiffeisen Group subsidiaries in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania to finance small and medium-sized enterprises. 10 million euros were provided to Raiffeisen (Bulgaria) EAD, 10 million euros to Raiffeisen in the Czech Republic, 15 million euros to Romania and 10 million euros to Poland. The European Commission provides additional financial incentives and technical assistance. These funds are part of the EU's programme, together with the EBRD, to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Thanks to this assistance, Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) EAD has already appointed credit experts in its offices. Newly appointed experts undergo a specialized training course in credit analysis.
Clients of the program for Bulgaria and in particular in the municipality of Velingrad are enterprises registered under the Commerce Act with an annual turnover of up to BGN 1 million and up to 100 employees.
Raiffeisenbank provides loans for working capital and investments of up to EUR 30,000 through its offices in the country under this program. The maximum term for repayment of investment loans is up to 3 years with up to 3 months grace period, and of working capital loans - up to 1 year. Extremely attractive for the working small and medium business is the option under this program for revolving credit lines with the possibility of extending up to 3 years.
The conditions for lending and servicing small companies are attractive with the competitive price conditions and the speed in making a decision - the goal is within 7 days after presenting a full set of documents the client to be notified of the bank's decision.
Raiffeisenbank is the largest lender of small and medium-sized enterprises in Austria. The bank is determined to expand its positions in Bulgaria in order to support the development of this sector.
- And other services attractive to the clients of Raiffeisenbank besides the loans?
Since last year we also offer express international translations "MUNNY GRAM". "MUNNY GRAM" is a secure, easy and convenient way to send or receive cash in 10 minutes. The money is received immediately in BGN and US dollars.
Besides the listed services, I must note that Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) EAD, through its office in Velingrad, works very actively with the big corporate business, through credit and other banking instruments, serves budget structures and others.
Elena Baeva