Fitch reaffirms ECI’s ratings at ‘AA-’ with stable outlook

Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE’s federal export credit company, announced that it has obtained sustained AA- Fitch Ratings for six consecutive years.

Fitch Ratings has reconfirmed ECI’s Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating and Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘AA-’ (very strong) with Stable Outlooks.

This prestigious recognition, from 2019 to date, highlights ECI’s unwavering dedication to support UAE’s economic diversification and boosting the international competitiveness of UAE-based businesses.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Credit Insurance, said, “The positive rating from Fitch reaffirms the UAE’s efforts in diversifying the national economy and enhancing its competitiveness regionally and globally. It also reflects the confidence of international institutions, global rating agencies, and business communities in the UAE as a leading economic destination.”

He added, “This rating will strengthen the creditworthiness of Etihad Credit Insurance, the strength of its financial position, and its role in enhancing the reputation and competitiveness of national exports in foreign markets. This success confirms our firm commitment to increasing economic diversification in the country, supporting and encouraging exporters to deal with foreign markets confidently and securely, thereby enhancing the achievement of the economic targets of ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. This vision aims to enhance the country’s position as a global partner, an attractive and influential economic hub, and to increase the non-oil national exports of the country to Dhs 800 billion by the next decade.”

ECI’s strategic initiatives have significantly contributed to the promotion of UAE non-oil exports, evidencing a robust portfolio growth with a gross exposure of Dhs9.5 billion as of the end of 2023 and covering 1.9 per cent out of Dhs366 billion in 2022.

Supporting the AA- rating by Fitch, ECI has a strong capitalisation with Dhs250 million in paid-in capital, an extra Dhs750 million contributed by its shareholders for growth objectives, and it doesn’t have any debt.

ECI’s investments are characterised by high liquidity and prudent allocation to short-term fixed deposits in UAE-based banks of high credit quality.

Etihad Credit Insurance remains committed to the UAE’s ambitious agenda to diversify its economy and boost its stature on the global trade map.