The European Bank of Reconstruction & Development is supporting the modernisation of LAL, Tajikistan's sole glass jar manufacturer, with a USD 2M loan. The financing will be used to buy a glass forming machine which will allow the company to increase its output by 15%, significantly cut costs & energy use & diversify its product range. LAL currently produces 60 tonnes of jars per day. The LAL factory is located in northern Tajikistan's Sogd region, which has a strong agricultural sector. The new equipment will enable the production of twist off cap jars, providing local fruit & vegetable canning companies with glass packaging which can be sold directly to the end consumer. In addition to serving the local market, the company plans to increase exports to Kazakhstan & Russia, where LAL sees scope for development.
