ICYMI: EXIM 2020 Annual Conference Underscores Agency's Commitment to Empowering U.S. Businesses and Workers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 16, 2020
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WASHINGTON - The recently concluded Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) virtual 2020 Annual Conference, with over 1,700 registrants, the largest conference in the agency's history, continues to promote and increase awareness about EXIM's dedication to the meeting's theme of "Keeping America Strong: Empowering U.S. Businesses and Workers."

"The EXIM team planned our 2020 Annual Conference and secured outstanding speakers to give U.S. businesses practical instruction on how to use exporting to be even more successful and support American jobs, as well as how to minimize risk in the global marketplace. This year's conference, which had a special U.S. small business track, certainly delivered on that," said EXIM President and Chairman Kimberly A. Reed. "Thanks to all of our participants, speakers-including U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow, and my G12 Heads of Export Credit Agency colleagues from around the world-and our tremendous EXIM team for making the conference EXIM's best ever."

Below is a roundup of comments from participants, business, and observers on the EXIM virtual 2020 Annual Conference:

"U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette joined the Export Import (EXIM) Bank's Annual Conference to deliver remarks and answer questions about key issues impacting today's energy landscape. The theme of this year's Conference was, 'Keeping America Strong: Empowering U.S. Businesses and Workers' - a clear intersection with the Department of Energy's mission and the driving force behind the Trump Administration's energy policies."

- U.S. Department of Energy, 9/14/2020

 

"Overland Park cybersecurity company DataLocker picked up a high-profile honor for its international business efforts. DataLocker Inc. is one of 13 companies to win Exporter of the Year honors from the Export-Import Bank of the United States. … EXIM is an independent federal agency that provides export credit to support sales by U.S. companies to international customers."

- "DataLocker wins honor for its international business," Kansas City Business Journal, 9/14/2020

"EXIM gives us peace of mind to grow our global business."

- DataLocker CEO Jay Kim, 9/11/2020

"Wilmington Paper says exporting is a strategic growth initiative for its company. With the backing of an EXIM export credit insurance policy for environmentally beneficial products, the company was able to offer its foreign customers open account credit terms while at the same time reducing the risk of nonpayment. That allowed the company to enter crucial international markets in Asia, Europe and South America that otherwise would have been too risky for a small business."

- "Wilmington Paper receives Exporter of the Year award," Recycling Today, 9/15/2020

"EXIM is integral to our business. Even though our claims have been minimal over the years, we would not have done the business we did without EXIM behind us."

- Wilmington Paper Corporation Export Sales Specialist Nini Krever, 9/11/2020

"The Ex-Im Bank last week announced the establishment of an 'Advisory Committee Subcommittee on Strategic Competition with the People's Republic of China.' The subcommittee will be responsible for advising the bank 'on how China is engaging in strategic competition against the United States, and how Beijing's actions impact American interests and economic security' as well as 'help EXIM make the most of its critical, bipartisan Congressional mandate to establish' the China program, the announcement states."

- "Rep. Barr touts bill to facilitate bigger deals under Ex-Im China Program," InsideTrade.com, 9/14/2020

"As Washington races to counter Beijing's effort to bolster its burgeoning high-tech industries, the EXIM Bank is emerging as a front-line warrior."

- "EXIM Bank touts central new role in war against Chinese tech," NationalJournal.com, 9/11/2020

"Love showcasing the way @DFCgov works together with our friends at @MCCgov, @USAID, @EximBankUS, and @USTDA! Together we're supporting U.S. companies and advancing development around the world. Thanks for moderating, @State_E! #EXIMac2020V"

- U.S. International Development Finance Corporation Chief Executive Officer Adam Boehler, 9/11/2020

"Great discussion at today @EximBankUS's annual conference with @MCC_CEO, @AdamUSDFC, @USTDA Abrajo and @State_E Keith Krach moderating. #EXIMac2020V #trade"

- U.S. Agency for International Development Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick, 9/10/2020

"By providing export credit, the bank helps American companies compete overseas, creating American jobs, and driving American growth, while simultaneously helping nations around the world develop their economies and lift their people out of poverty."

- National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, 9/10/2020

"The U.S. Department of Commerce fully supports EXIM in its efforts to boost exports and shift production back to the United States. By pursuing a lending strategy that is far more strategic and focused on U.S. economic and national security interests, EXIM is becoming a true force in the American economy as we work together to create a V-shaped recovery that is progressing far faster than many had anticipated."

- U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, an ex officio EXIM Board Member, 9/10/2020

"When Congress reauthorized EXIM for seven years in December with $135 billion in financing capacity, we had no idea EXIM would play such a vital role in not only bolstering the U.S. economy during the biggest global crisis in our lifetime but also advancing global economic security in the face of the tyranny and aggression of the Chinese Communist Party."