Page 228 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT JUNE 2025

6/30/25, 9:11 AM Etihad Credit Insurance Announces AED 174 Million Funding For SME Growth In Partnership With Four Leading Banks | Pakistan P…
working capital and innovative trade finance solutions, we are unlocking new opportunities for global growth. The
programme strengthens the UAE’s competitiveness and supports its ambition to expand trade across strategic
international markets.”

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.

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.

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