UKEF has expanded its overseas network to boost the businesses pipeline and generate billions in export opportunities for UK exporters. UKEF has hired international senior representatives in China, South Africa, Colombia, and Kenya.
To create trading opportunities for the British businesses, the UKEF’s Country Heads to name a few” Jiang Wu” as Country Head of UKEF in China, “Camilo Neira ” as Country Head for Colombia, “Dirk Van den Berg” as Country Head for South Africa and “Issac Kahara” as Country Head for Kenya working alongside HM Trade Commissioners and British Ambassadors with overseas governments and multinational companies looking to buy from the UK.
Due to the global economic impact of the pandemic, UKEF is currently identifying overseas projects with long-term growth potential and robust fundamentals that could benefit from UK expertise.
Richard Simon-Lewis, & Head of Business Development, Marketing & Communications at UKEF, said:
“The global financial disruption caused by COVID-19 is likely to be felt for some time. We are building a robust business development pipeline that has sector and regional breadth – with an increasing focus on clean growth – so that UK exporters and suppliers remain in a strong position to trade internationally.”
[box]
Article: CEO Exclusive: How UKEF Is Supporting UK Businesses With Export Finance Throughout The Pandemic
[/box]
Thanks to the UKEF in China, China Southern Airlines was able to access a UK government-guaranteed loan in offshore Renminbi to purchase an Airbus aircraft- the first ECA to cover finance in the currency. Jiang has over a decade worth of experience in assisting a range of multinational companies including Eastman Chemical, Ingersoll Rand, and Alstom to enter or grow in China through mergers & acquisitions and corporate strategies.
The UK Minister for Exports Graham Stuart said:
”UKEF new experts will work with DIT and FCDO staff to help UK business -with a particular focus on green industries and sustainable projects.”
The UKEF is helping to put UK companies at the heart of the green recovery from coronavirus, following the £2 billion allocated to UKEF’s direct lending facility to finance green projects in the latest budget.
