EXIM Chair Reta Jo Lewis Welcomes Prime Minister of Côte D’Ivoire, Reaffirms Bank’s Commitment to Sub-Saharan Africa

Building partnership; Meeting represents the first international delegation visit since EXIM Chair’s arrival
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 16, 2022
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WASHINGTON – Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis yesterday welcomed Prime Minister Patrick Achi of Côte d’Ivoire to EXIM headquarters to discuss the importance of strong commercial ties between the United States and Côte D’Ivoire as well as potential future projects, especially in clean and renewable energy transitions, the digital economy and manufacturing. The delegations also raised opportunities to collaborate and convene the private sector on key strategic priorities like Prosper Africa and the Build Back Better World Initiative.

Board meeting “I was very pleased to host Prime Minister Achi and his delegation,” said EXIM Chair Lewis. “EXIM has an important opportunity to fulfill our mission in supporting sub-Saharan Africa through U.S. exports, and I have faith that Prime Minister Achi and I will find important ways forward that strengthen economic ties and bring shared prosperity.”

EXIM Bank has a long history and a mandate from Congress to support projects in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past decade, the agency has financed more than $12 billion in the region and established a Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee, which is chaired by Principal James O’Brien from Baker McKenzie. Moving forward, the agency will look for new ways to strengthen and diversify its deal pipeline through a stronger partnership with Côte D’Ivoire. Part of this movement forward will involve the Cote D’Ivoire’s National Development Plan through 2025. Designed to spark necessary social and economic transformation for the country, the program offers strategic opportunities for the American business community.

 

ABOUT EXIM:

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation’s official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. Since 1992, EXIM has generated more than $9 billion for the U.S. Treasury for repayment of U.S. debt. Learn more at www.exim.gov.