28/09/2011

Credit Agency Restores Libya Coverage

Libya is continuing to move towards something like normal life with news today that ECGD, the UK's export credit agency (ECA), has announced it was resuming cover for British exports to Libya.

The announcement makes ECGD the first major ECA to resume cover for Libya since the NATO airstrikes against the former Gaddafi regime began in March this year.

ECGD Chief Executive, Patrick Crawford said: "Now that an internationally recognised regime has been established and stability is returning, I am pleased to announce today that ECGD will be resuming cover immediately and will make up to $250m in support available.

"This support will help British businesses play their role in assisting the people of Libya build the future they want and richly deserve.

"I very much hope that ECGD's lead in resuming cover will have the added benefit of signalling to international private investors and banks that creditworthiness has been restored.

"I hope this signal of the UK's confidence will encourage banks and other lenders to support the new regime," he added.

The Export Credits Guarantee Department, (ECGD) is the UK's official export credit agency.

It works with exporters, project sponsors, banks and buyers to help British exporters, by providing insurance against non-payment risks to UK exporters and guarantees for bank loans to facilitate the arranging of finance to buyers of UK goods.

It also provides insurance against political risks to UK investors in overseas markets.

(BMcC/GK)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

20 January 2015
Govt Urged To 'Do More' For Dairy Farmers
Dairy farmers need more protection from the government following a fall in milk prices, a committee of MPs said.
25 February 2004
UK arms components export 'puts lives at risk': report
Weaker government controls over arms export licences is "putting lives at risk" in some of the world's most repressive regimes, according to a joint report by three leading charities, published today.
09 June 2009
Extension To Govt's Trade Credit Insurance Top-up Scheme
Business Secretary Peter Mandelson has today announced changes that will mean many more firms can now purchase top-up cover as part of the Government's trade credit insurance scheme. Since 1 May, companies who have had their credit insurance cover reduced have been able to purchase six months top-up cover under the £5bn Government Scheme.
30 September 2008
Queens Awards 'May Be Key To Greater International Export Success'
Senior Queen's Awards Office officials visiting an outstanding Renfrewshire firm today, have reminded Scottish businesses that winning a Queen's Award for Enterprise may be the key to unlocking success in the international export market.
10 August 2004
Export bar put on 'magnificent' medieval Psalter
Arts Minister Estelle Morris has placed a temporary export bar on an "outstanding illuminated manuscript" dating from the 14th century known as the Macclesfield Psalter. The work, thought to be the most important discovery of any English illuminated manuscript in living memory, was until earlier this year, unknown and unrecorded.