Page 73 - ECI PR REPORT JANUARY 2025

1/28/25, 2:39 PM Etihad Credit Insurance hosts a workshop for companies selected to join Xport Xponential initiative
The workshop witnessed the participation and attendance of local and international entities,
including the initiative’s 19 federal and financial partners, as well as the selected companies that
have now become part of the program, with the aim of providing essential insights and tools to
support their export journey. The workshop was also attended by relevant government
representatives, a distinguished lineup of experts and stakeholders, and media representatives.
The workshop commenced with opening remarks from H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of ECI, during
which she underlined how the Xport Xponential initiative seeks to create new opportunities for
export, re-export, and foreign trade activities, positioning the UAE as a key player in global
markets, and empowering local manufacturers and exporters to strengthen their growth. H.E. Al
Mazrouei also highlighted the initiative’s key offerings, such as a comprehensive suite of credit
and financing solutions, in partnership with strategic partners from the public and private
sectors, along with advisory support and access to a vast database, facilitating partnerships with
potential buyers and importers worldwide.
In her remarks, Her Excellency noted that the directives of the wise leadership and the UAE’s
national development strategies serve as roadmap for the Xport Xponential initiative. The
initiative’s goals, she noted, align with the economic objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision,
which aims to raise the GDP to AED 3 trillion, increase non-oil exports to AED 800 billion, and
raise the value of the foreign trade to AED 4 trillion within the next decade. H.E. Al Mazrouei
concluded by reiterating ECI’s steadfast commitment to raising the competitiveness of domestic
non-oil goods, which will help diversify the UAE economy and strengthen its competitive edge
at both regional and global levels.
As the workshop progressed, Dr. Yasar Jarrar, Managing Partner, Gov Campus, Author, and
Professor (Hult International Business School), spoke about the growth trajectory of small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE. Followed by a presentation from Mahesh Kumar,
Vice President of Trade Finance at Emirates Development Bank (EDB), who delivered a session
titled, ‘Trade And Working Capital Products – Value Proposition.’
During a virtual session, Haitham Al Khazaleh, Head Middle East and Africa, Director Public
Sector Solutions at Swiss Re Management Ltd., highlighted the role of re-insurance supporting
Export Credit Agencies. This was followed by a session on risk assessment of key export markets,
during which Robert Besseling, CEO and Founder of PANGEA-RISK, shared insights on the Export
Opportunity for the UAE.
The sessions proceeded with Andreas Klasen, Strategy Advisor and Professor of International
Business at Oxford HRA, addressing the audience about the importance of empowering global
trade, and the role of ECAs in sustainable export growth.
Shaima Alaydarous, Director of Negotiations and International Organizations Department at the
Ministry of Economy, led a strategic discussion about the importance of Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in supporting exporters and importers in the UAE
market, as well as strengthening the UAE’s trade relations with key regional and global markets.
Meanwhile, Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi, Director of International Financial Relations and
Organizations at the Ministry of Finance, pointed out the significance of Bilateral Investment
Treaties, followed by a session on the legal aspects of trade, where Michael Morris, Partner at
Clyde and Co. and Rebekah Jones, Senior Associate at Clyde and Co. discussed the legal
challenges affecting international trade. In addition, Christopher Hanning, Head of Trade Asset
Distribution at DP World Trade Finance, led a session titled ‘Bridging the Trade Finance Gap the
DP World Way,’ followed by closing remarks from H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei to conclude the
workshop.

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