Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) has signed a financing agreement with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
A line of credit of US$20 million will be opened between the two entities enhancing cooperation and increasing the volume of trade between the UAE and ECOWAS member states.
The agreement also supports establishing additional credit lines and providing easier means for joint financing, thus boosting Emirati exports in the African market.
The agreement was signed virtually by Khalil Al Mansoori, Acting Director-General of ADEX, and Dr. George Agyekum Donkor of EBID.
Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee of Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) and Khalifa Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Deputy Director-General of the ADFD, were present at the event, alongside other officials from both sides.
During the ceremony, Al Suwaidi said, “The agreement signed with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development underscores ADEX’s effort to support the UAE in developing the export sector, diversifying the economy, and enabling Emirati companies to expand their footprint into Africa.”
He added that the agreement would enable ADEX to offer a credit line to the bank to refinance their lending to importers from its member countries for the purchase of Emirati goods and services.
Khalil Al Mansoori stated, “The agreement is a continuation of ADEX’s effort to expand the scope of its partnerships with African countries. It complements the agreement signed last year by ADEX with the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB). The latest partnership agreement will consolidate our effort to support and develop national exports by providing flexible and reliable financing, thereby strengthening the presence of Emirati companies in West Africa.”
In his response, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor commented, “This novel partnership between the EBID and ADEX is a further illustration of the bank’s continued efforts to mobilize and diversify its resources to amplify economic activities within the ECOWAS sub-region as well as between the region and the rest of the world. This agreement with Abu Dhabi Export Office will facilitate strategic relations between West Africa and the UAE.”
He pointed out that the agreement would enhance economic and commercial sustainability, benefiting both the banks’ member states and the UAE.
