BFC, under Russian Small Business Fund, is strengthening the MSE lending operations in the Orient Express Bank (OEB). BFC provides technical assistance to the OEB network located in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD).

The key objectives of BFC's assistance are:

• Strengthening the position of OEB in the MSE lending market;
• Increasing the productivity of MSE loan officers;
• Increasing the efficiency of the loan approval process;
• Speeding up the expansion of MSE lending operations in OEB's branch network.

BFC consultants are implementing appropriate organizational structures and procedures to assist VEB to efficiently enter and expand this new area of business.