Dubai: Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE Federal export credit company, has announced the launch of ‘SME Protect’, an export trade credit solution, specifically designed for UAE-based SMEs to support their growth plans globally and assist them in entering high-growth markets.

‘SME Protect’, which will be available to exporters and re-exporters from September 1, 2019, is a cost-effective and easy to access and manage solution to move on from the limiting and traditional Letters of Credit or cash payments terms, towards the most updated sales on open credit terms.

‘SME Protect’ is aimed at easing UAE businesses to broaden their understanding of trade credit solutions and to accelerate their export business in a safe way. By providing guarantees to receivables, SMEs can now provide credit to
clients without financial loss.

H.E. Engr. Saed Alawadi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Export Development Corporation, Board Member and Chairman of the Executive Committee at ECI, said: “The UAE government is committed to boosting the contribution and performance of local SMEs and has taken a leading role in establishing strategic initiatives to support funding for the sector. ECI’s newly launched ‘SME Protect’ will assist exporters and local businesses to access highly competitive global markets.”
 
Massimo Falcioni, CEO of ECI, said: “We are proud to launch ‘SME Protect’ for UAE businesses to support SMEs towards safer trade, and high-growth at different stages of their life cycle. The SME Protect Trade Credit solution is a result of the survey that was conducted in 2018 in co-operation with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, and Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce. The survey showed that 97 percent SMEs still prefer Letter of Credit and cash payments whereas only 3 percent prefer selling on credit. ECI, in line with its mandate, has endeavoured to fill the gap to ease of doing business, accelerate the SME growth and sustain the non-oil foreign trade growth development in the UAE.”

Oussama Abdel Rahman Kaissi, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, said, “We are committed to support ECI and welcome this opportunity to partner on such a strategic initiative as SME Protect solution. ICIEC is confident that this solution will empower the small and medium-sized companies by mitigating the risks and challenges faced by these local businesses while accessing competitive markets.”

According to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, the contribution of the SME sector to the UAE's GDP is estimated at 53 per cent in 2019, up from about 49 per cent in 2018. The Federal government aims to increase this rate to around 60 per cent by 2021, underscoring the importance of this sector, which encompasses around 95 per cent of the firms in the country and employs 86 per cent of the total workforce in the non-oil private sector.

-Ends-

About Etihad Credit Insurance
Etihad Credit Insurance (PJSC) was established by UAE Federal Government and its founders, the governments of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Ajman. The company started its operations in February 2018. ECI plays a catalyst role in supporting the UAE’s non-oil exports, trade, investments and strategic sectors development, in line with UAE Vision 2021 agenda.

It is tasked to accelerate and sustain national economic diversification as well as support the export and re-export of UAE goods, works, services, and the foreign investments of the UAE businesses through a range of export credit, financing and investment insurance products.

To provide UAE businesses with solutions that meet their growth objectives locally and internationally, ECI builds a comprehensive platform of strategic partnerships across government, insurers, re-insurers, brokers, banks and lenders, regional and international Export Credit Agencies, governments and trade promotion agencies in addition to world organisations for economic development.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Abeer Al Mutawa
Director Marketing & Communications
Etihad Credit Insurance
+971 4 4096824
abeer.almutawa@eci.gov.ae 

Karie Barboza
Marketing Account Executive
New Perspective Media
+971 52 926 3024
karie@newperspectivemedia.com 

© Press Release 2019

Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.

The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.