Environment

Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) highlighted the UAE’s growing influence in shaping global trade and sustainable finance during a high-level discussion at TXF Global 2026, one of the world’s leading conferences dedicated to export finance.

Speaking before policymakers, export finance institutions, and global investors, H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of ECI, outlined how evolving geopolitical and economic conditions are redefining global trade patterns and increasing the strategic importance of export credit agencies in supporting resilient and diversified economies.

Changing Global Dynamics Reshape Trade Strategies

During the session, Al Mazrouei explained that global developments over recent years have significantly influenced ECI’s strategy, risk framework, and operating model.

She noted that today’s international trade environment differs considerably from the conditions that existed when ECI was established in 2018. Ongoing supply chain disruptions, geopolitical fragmentation, and changing trade corridors continue to create a more complex and less predictable business environment.

Despite these shifts, the UAE has strengthened its position as a trusted bridge between developed and emerging markets through investments in logistics infrastructure, industrial diversification, international partnerships, and expansion of its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) network.

ECI Expands Its Role Beyond Traditional Trade Support

Aligned with the UAE’s broader economic transformation goals, ECI continues expanding its function beyond conventional trade facilitation.

As the UAE’s federal export credit company, ECI now supports strategic partnerships designed to strengthen economic diversification, investment growth, and international competitiveness.

One of the major developments highlighted during the conference was ECI’s increasingly forward-looking approach to market exposure and risk management. The organisation has adopted a calibrated framework to support UAE exporters and investors entering high-potential emerging markets connected to the country’s expanding CEPA agenda.

Through credit guarantees, risk mitigation solutions, and trade finance instruments, ECI continues enabling greater private-sector participation across sectors including:

• Renewable energy
• Infrastructure
• Healthcare
• Digital transformation
• Sustainable development

Supporting Expansion Across African Markets

ECI also highlighted its growing footprint across Africa, where it currently operates in 30 countries.

Its portfolio includes support for projects involving:

• Healthcare infrastructure
• Hospital development
• Emergency response systems
• Firefighting solutions
• Technology initiatives
• Green energy projects

The organisation also continues helping UAE-based SMEs integrate more effectively into regional and international supply chains.

Data-Driven Decision-Making Strengthens Trade Resilience

According to Al Mazrouei, ECI’s operating model has become increasingly data-driven and responsive, supported by advanced analytics, real-time market intelligence, and enhanced risk monitoring capabilities.

These capabilities allow ECI to evaluate country exposure, sector trends, and buyer behaviour more accurately while delivering more flexible solutions for exporters.

She emphasised that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain central to ECI’s long-term strategy due to their role in expanding non-oil exports and supporting innovation-led growth.

Blended Finance Gains Momentum Across Strategic Sectors

The discussion also highlighted the increasing importance of blended finance structures, where public and private capital work together to unlock large-scale projects.

Key sectors benefiting from this model include:

• Clean energy
• Advanced manufacturing
• Sustainable infrastructure
• Healthcare
• Logistics
• Technology

Within this framework, ECI continues contributing through targeted financial instruments that improve project viability and support long-term economic development.

As global trade continues to evolve, the UAE’s approach to export finance, sustainable investment, and international partnerships positions the country as an increasingly influential player in shaping future trade ecosystems.

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