ECI, ENBD to boost confidence of financial sector to fund UAE firms

Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE Federal export credit company and Emirates NBD (ENBD), a leading banking group in the Middle east, North Africa and Tukey (Menat) region, have signed an agreement that will improve the liquidity of UAE exporters and businesses and enhance their global competitiveness.

The agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2019 between Massimo Falcioni, CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance and Ahmed Al Qassim, Senior Executive Vice President and Group Head, Corporate & Institutional Banking, Emirates NBD. The partnership is in line with the UAE government’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative as it will boost the confidence of the financial sector to fund UAE companies towards their manufacturing, export and expansion goals.

Following their agreement, Emirates NBD can leverage ECI’s insurance policy to provide credit facilities to UAE businesses. The backing of a federal export credit such as ECI helps the bank reduce any risks that may be associated with credit facilities, while supporting UAE businesses’ cashflow and capabilities to seek or continue their global operations.

This alliance is a positive step for local businesses. Through this partnership with Emirates NBD, ECI can help UAE businesses in strengthening the reach of UAE products and exports internationally, which can lead to more avenues to promote the uniqueness and quality of locally manufactured goods, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Underlining ECI’s commitment in supporting financial establishments in the UAE, Falcioni said: “We are very pleased to support the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative, which aims to create a sense of pride in locally made products, through this strategic alliance with Emirates NBD.

More than 80 per cent of world trade relies on trade finance, mostly of a short-term nature. We are delighted to offer the solutions we have developed for supporting banks’ factoring and supply financing activities, which can be leveraged effectively by the lenders, to offer innovative financial solutions to their clients, whether large companies or SMEs, thereby benefiting the local economy and supporting its continued development.”

Ahmed Al Qassim, Senior Executive Vice President and Group Head, Corporate & Institutional Banking, Emirates NBD added: “Emirates NBD is delighted to join hands with ECI to support our nation’s businesses and enhance their competitive strengths. As the UAE looks to build ICV (in-country value), this is a critical time for local manufacturers and exporters looking to enhance their proposition on an international stage.”

“As strategic contributors to the UAE economy, Emirates NBD’s partnership with ECI builds on our long-term commitment to deliver robust financing facilities and support to UAE businesses to boost their trade competitiveness and overall confidence.”

Etihad Credit Insurance was established by UAE Federal Government and its founders, the governments of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Ajman. The company started its operations in February 2018. ECI plays a catalyst role in supporting the UAE’s non-oil exports, trade, investments and strategic sectors development, in line with UAE Vision 2021 agenda.

It is tasked to accelerate and sustain national economic diversification as well as support the export and re-export of UAE goods, works, services, and the foreign investments of the UAE businesses as well as support the exporters in the domestic trade through a range of export credit, financing and investment insurance products.

To provide UAE businesses with solutions that meet their growth objectives locally and internationally, ECI builds a comprehensive platform of strategic partnerships across government, insurers, re-insurers, brokers, banks and lenders, regional and international Export Credit Agencies, governments and trade promotion agencies in addition to world organisations for economic development.

ECI has also been assigned Insurance Financial Strength (IFS) Rating and an Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of AA- (Very Strong) with Stable Outlook from Fitch Ratings.