The Mechanics of Managing Export Credit Agencies (ECAs)

Statement of need

The course will consider key aspects of establishing and managing the ECAs. It will delve into technical issues that define the roles, functions and operational dimensions of ECAs. Among others, it will look at the operations of ECAs and practical common features of ECAs in the areas of the application process, eligibility criteria, risk classifications, terms, and pricing. It will further look into the basic functions of ECAs in the context of helping exporters meet officially supported foreign credit competition; providing financing to foreign buyers in the absence of private lenders or those willing to finance export sales including in the absence of risks; and taking of risks by ECAs beyond those that can be assumed by private lenders under their role to helping country’s lenders compete internationally. On the regulatory side, the course will look into regulations regarding ECAs. The course will further analyse the risks involved in differentiated export transactions in the context of ECAs including political risks and commercial risks. The course will cover the basic financing needs of an exporter. 

Course Objectives

• Participants will acquire competency to describe how export credit agencies (ECAs) can assist exporters who have difficulties obtaining financing through traditional commercial sources 
• Analyse operational features of ECAs and how to address emerging challenges
• Conceptualize organizational relationships between ECAs, relevant public sector entities and the commercial entities
• Understand the cross-border dimension and international regulatory issues with a bearing on the objectives and functions of ECAs
• Identify solutions to challenges and constraints associated with ECAs
• Understand ECAs-based financing and key issues on supplier and buyer credits
• Analyse the regulations on ECAs
• Review case studies of successful ECAs
• Relate ECAs to international trade 

Content

• Basic Functions of ECAs
• History and Rationale of ECAs
• Economic Objectives of ECAs
• The Role of Government in ECAs
• Mechanics of ECAs operations
• Challenges and constraints associated with ECAs
• ECAs based financing
• Supplier and buyer credits
• ECAs transactions and financing conditions
• Growing private extensions of export credit and risk-sharing with ECAs
• ECAs under the OECD arrangement
• Policy Considerations of ECAs
• The key success factor for ECAs.

Target group

Professionals working for ECAs, public sector entities involved in the work of the ECAs including at administrative, operational and regulatory levels, public sector regulators including ministries of finance, central bank and statutory bodies and government’s specialized departments involved in regulation of financial institutions, government ministries involved in ECAs supported transactions, private sector entities involved in ECAs transactions including import and export transactions, commercial banks and other financial institutions such as those in the insurance sector.

Duration
2 Weeks

Venues
a) Venue 1: Dubai
Date: 20 -31 May 2024
b) Venue 2: Arusha
Date: 14 – 25 Oct 2024

Course Fees
$1,500