CHAIRMAN OF THE EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES, JOHN E. ROBSON, AND PAKISTANI FINANCE MINISTER SHAUKAT AZIZ MEET IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) Chairman John E. Robson today met with Pakistani Minister of Finance Shaukat Aziz at Ex-Im Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C. Pakistani Ambassador to the United States Maleeha Lodhi was also in attendance at the meeting.
Robson and Aziz discussed possible Ex-Im Bank financing of transactions to support U.S. commercial aircraft exports to Pakistan. In addition, they agreed to implement a joint task force comprised of senior officials from Ex-Im Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the Trade Development Agency (TDA). In its role on the task force, Ex-Im Bank will explore ways to support U.S. exports aimed at a privatization program for Pakistan's health, education and oil and gas sectors and well as its general infrastructure.
Ex-Im Bank is optimistic that there are opportunities for U.S. exporters to do good, solid business in Pakistan, said Chairman Robson. We encourage U.S. exporters to pursue these transactions and stand ready to provide financing solutions.
Ex-Im Bank is an independent federal agency that assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to developing markets around the world, through export credit insurance, loan guarantees, and direct loans. In fiscal year 2001, Ex-Im Bank helped to finance approximately $12.4 billion of U.S. exports worldwide.