The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has appointed the first head of its office in Tunisia, in what is deemed a “key milestone” following the agency’s decision last year to expand operations to the southern and eastern Mediterranean region.
Marie-Alexandra Veilleux will lead EBRD’s Tunisia office. She has been involved with the bank’s expansion to the region, including EBRD’s initial equity investment in Tunisia approved by the board in September.
“This appointment is a key milestone in the EBRD’s operations in Tunisia and part of our long-term cooperation and commitment to the country,” said Hildegard Gacek, EBRD managing director for the SEMED region, in a Feb. 26 press release announcing Veilleux’s appointment. “With this new presence on the ground we will be able to accelerate our recent investment programme.”
The bank focuses on private sector growth in the region, providing support to small and midsize companies. Its initial equity investment in Tunisia totalled €20 million ($26.1 million).
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About the author
Jenny Lei Ravelo@JennyLeiRavelo
Jenny Lei Ravelo is a Devex Senior Reporter based in Manila. She covers global health, with a particular focus on the World Health Organization, and other development and humanitarian aid trends in Asia Pacific. Prior to Devex, she wrote for ABS-CBN, one of the largest broadcasting networks in the Philippines, and was a copy editor for various international scientific journals. She received her journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
