Page 214 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT JUNE 2025

6/30/25, 9:10 AM Etihad Credit Insurance Announces AED 174 Million Funding Raised For SME Growth In Partnership With Four Leading Banks
On the collaboration, Dr. Bernd van Linder, CEO of Commercial Bank of Dubai, stated:“Commercial Bank of Dubai is proud to be a foundational partner in
ECI's Xport Xponential programme. With a legacy of over five decades in backing the growth of the UAE, we continue to demonstrate our commitment
today by empowering the nation's vibrant SME sector and creating tangible impact that supports the economic diversification and global competitiveness of
the UAE. We look forward to continuing our work with ECI to unlock even greater opportunities for businesses across the Emirates, building on the
significant momentum already achieved.”
Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, said:“We are proud to be part of the 'Xport Xponential' programme in collaboration with Etihad Credit Insurance,
which represents a significant milestone in empowering SMEs to access new growth frontiers. Our participation reflects Ajman Bank's unwavering
commitment to supporting the UAE's national agenda, particularly Ajman Vision 2030 and We the UAE 2031, by providing Sharia-compliant financing
solutions that enable local businesses to scale internationally. The AED 174 million in funding collectively raised through this initiative is a powerful
testament to the strength of public-private sector collaboration. We will continue to build on this momentum by enabling innovative trade finance and
expanding our role as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.”

Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank, commented:“We are proud to partner with Etihad Credit Insurance on the 'Xport
Xponential' programme, which represents a significant milestone in empowering the UAE's SMEs to access global markets with confidence. At Al Maryah
Community Bank, we are committed to offering fully digital, fast, and innovative financing solutions that simplify exporters' daily operations and enhance
their global competitiveness. This initiative not only aligns with the UAE's vision to diversify its economy and boost non-oil exports but also opens new
opportunities for local businesses in vital sectors to thrive internationally. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ECI to ensure that
manufacturers and exporters are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and capital they need to scale beyond borders.”
The 'Xport Xponential' programme was launched to fulfil the dual objectives of catalysing SMEs' global expansion and driving SME financing with the help
of partner banks. It was introduced during the third edition of 'Make It in the Emirates' (MIITE), held in May 2024, with the aim of accelerating the global
expansion of UAE-based SMEs by offering financial support and ensuring their export readiness through innovative trade finance and credit insurance
solutions. Finance consulting

As many as 42 companies applied for the programme, out of which 10 were shortlisted based on rigorous evaluation criteria. These companies have
collectively generated AED 2.1 billion in turnover to date and are now targeting expansion into four key markets-Indonesia, India, Saudi Arabia, and Oman-
with a combined export potential of AED 31.3 billion over the next four years across ten vital sectors. Implemented in collaboration with 19 strategic
partners, the programme exemplifies ECI's role in driving sustainable economic growth by connecting businesses with international opportunities and
tailored trade finance solutions.
Since the programme's inception, ECI's partnerships with government entities and banks have increased by 27 per cent, reflecting its role in nurturing a
robust export-enablement ecosystem that connects the public and private sectors under a unified vision. Partnerships with leading financial institutions
have helped facilitate consistent, reliable support and access to growth-oriented funding for UAE SMEs. ECI also hosted a workshop in January 2025 to
offer the selected companies' essential tools and resources, further supporting their export growth journey. In addition, these companies belong to diverse
economic sectors, showcasing the program's wide-reaching impact across key industries.

Xport Xponential's vast partner list features 19 key strategic partners, including both federal and local entities, which are: the Abu Dhabi Department of
Economic Development, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Sharjah
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ajman Department of Economic Development, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zones, as well as Fujairah Department of
Industry and Economy. Its financial and banking partners include Emirates Development Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank,
Commercial Bank of Dubai, Ajman Bank, RAKBANK, National Bank of Fujairah, International Development Bank, Wio Bank, Al Maryah Community Bank
and Reem Finance. It is also worth noting that since its inception, ECI has insured AED 21 billion in support of local exports and completed underwriting for
premiums totalling AED 447 million. Finance consulting

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