Baiterek Issues First ESG Bonds to Support Farmers  

On December 26, the National Managing Holding "Baiterek" placed its debut ESG social bonds worth 100 billion tenge on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE). The funds will be directed towards financing spring fieldwork and harvest operations (SFH) under the "Ken Dala 2" program, according to the press service of the holding.

 The company highlighted that this ESG bond issuance aligns with the principles of sustainable development. The primary goal is to provide preferential loans to farmers, enabling them to prepare in advance for agrotechnical activities. This approach aims to achieve significant social results in agriculture. The loans are issued early, allowing agricultural producers to better plan and organize their work.

 Social bonds are corporate securities designed to address social issues and achieve positive societal impacts. The debut issuance was accompanied by the approval of the Sustainable Development Program and a positive opinion (Second Party Opinion) from the AIFC Green Finance Centre.

 According to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture, the total amount of preferential loans for SFH in 2024 will amount to 580 billion tenge, with plans to increase this figure to 700 billion tenge in 2025. In November, the first 100 billion tenge were allocated, and applications for financing have been open since November 29.

 This initiative is expected to provide significant support to farmers, ensuring timely fieldwork and contributing to the development of sustainable agriculture in Kazakhstan.