US Ex-Im Bank offers multiple financing plans for Iraqi reconstruction

To support Iraqi reconstruction efforts, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is providing short-term credit insurance for the Trade Bank of Iraq, guarantees or insurance in third countries, and working capital guarantees for U.S. subcontractors in U.S. government-funded reconstruction contracts.

Ex-Im Bank's Vice Chairman April Foley, speaking January 13 at the Outreach 2004 workshop in Amman, Jordan, said her organization is actively reaching out to those who can use its financing to help the Iraqi people rebuild their nation.

"We believe that our programs have dual benefits: They can give Iraq access to high-quality U.S. goods and services and, at the same time, permit U.S. exporters to access new Iraqi customers," said Foley, according to a January 13 Ex-Im Bank press release.

Foley is in Amman as part of a three-nation trip to Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait where she is meeting with Iraqi, Middle Eastern and Western business, financial and government leaders in an effort to advance the Ex-Im Bank's efforts to support Iraqi reconstruction.