Türkiye ranks third in IFC global portfolio with over $25 billion invested

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested more than $25 billion in Türkiye over the past 10 years, making the country the third-largest in the institution's global portfolio, IFC Director Lisa Kaestner said on May 10.

Kaestner, IFC's Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Director, outlined the institution's priorities in an interview with Anadolu Agency, saying the focus is on investments that can boost employment and raise productivity during a period of tightening liquidity conditions and rising volatility. "Türkiye stands out as the third-largest country in IFC's global portfolio," she said.

In the financial sector, Kaestner highlighted IFC's $100 million investment in Iş Bank's digital bond, the first digital bond issued by a private bank in an emerging market. "The funds were directed toward supporting SMEs recovering in the earthquake-hit region," she said. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) account for around 70.5% of employment in Türkiye, Kaestner noted.

In the real sector, IFC invested in Arçelik to support R&D, renewable energy and resource efficiency, and financed Enerjisa to strengthen and modernize energy distribution infrastructure, including in regions affected by the 2023 earthquakes. Kaestner also said IFC mobilized private capital, with participation from commercial banks and asset managers, for a Eurobond issuance aimed at expanding Şişecam's flat glass and solar glass production capacity, while serving as an anchor investor in the issuance.

Kaestner emphasized that IFC's role is to enable companies to invest, grow and create jobs at every stage, focusing not only on financing volumes but also on maturity, risk appetite and accessibility to financing. "During periods when liquidity tightens and risk appetite declines, IFC steps in to support companies with strong fundamentals and priority investments through long-term, properly structured financing and risk-sharing," she said.