News

Washington, D.C. - Today Kimberly A. Reed, president and chairman of the Export Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), met with Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, secretary of Puerto Rico's Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DEDC) and executive director of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO).  Chairman Reed and Secretary Laboy Rivera talked about the importance of trade in spurring Puerto Rico's economic development and employment. They discussed how EXIM can assist in expanding exports from Puerto Rican companies, especially small businesses, and DEDC's commitment to connecting EXIM to banks in Puerto Rico that can help fill financing gaps. Secretary Laboy Rivera and PRIDCO Deputy Executive Director Julio Benitez-Torres are the first delegation of government officials from a U.S. state or territory to meet with Chairman Reed since she was sworn in to office on May 9.

Front row, from left, Manual A. Laboy Rivera, secretary of Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DEDC) and executive director of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO); Kimberly Reed, EXIM president and chairman; and Julio Benitez-Torres, PRIDCO deputy executive director. Back row, from left: Tamara Maxwell, director of EXIM's Minority and Women-Owned Business & Multiplier Outreach Division; James Burrows, senior vice president of EXIM's Small Business Group; and EXIM loan officer Rodrigo Patzy.