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Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE’s Federal export credit company, emphasized its pivotal role in enhancing the country's export sector, promoting economic diversification, and supporting non-oil foreign trade. The announcement was made during ECI’s participation as a strategic sponsor at the 25th edition of GTR MENA, held on February 18-19, 2025, at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai.

At the event, ECI showcased its advanced credit services, launched new initiatives to support UAE manufacturers and exporters, and introduced innovative credit solutions to strengthen the global and regional competitiveness of local businesses.

UAE’s Non-Oil Economic Growth and ECI’s Impact

In the first half of 2024, the UAE’s non-oil GDP grew by 4.4% year-on-year, reaching AED 660 billion, with the sector contributing 75% of the country’s total GDP. ECI played a vital role in facilitating this growth, with its total credit coverage reaching AED 11 billion. The company has supported exporters across 17 sectors in 110 markets while maintaining its ‘AA-’ (very strong) Fitch rating for the seventh consecutive year, underscoring its credibility and financial stability.

Leadership Insights on Economic Growth

H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of ECI, participated in a session titled ‘Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability: Empowering Economic Growth’, where she highlighted the UAE’s progressive strategies for economic growth and diversification. She emphasized the significant role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in fostering innovation, employment, and trade expansion.

Al Mazrouei also reiterated the importance of the UAE’s industrial strategy, "Operation 300 Billion", which aims to position the country as a global industrial and trade hub by 2031. She further emphasized the impact of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in enhancing market access for UAE-based SMEs.

Enhancing Trade and Export Capabilities

Discussions at GTR MENA 2025 centered on strategies for strengthening non-oil exports, re-exports, and foreign trade, with a focus on:

• Innovative credit solutions that ease trade and export financing.
• Digital advancements in trade finance and supply chain resilience.
• Public-private sector collaboration in enhancing UAE’s trade infrastructure.
• Institutional investment in supply chain finance to support economic diversification.

Industry leaders stressed the need for enhanced communication and partnerships between financial institutions, exporters, and importers to facilitate seamless market access and global trade expansion.

Future of Trade Finance and Investment

With over 80 speakers and 45 presenters, GTR MENA 2025 explored topics such as digitalization in trade finance, financial technology innovations, and regulatory frameworks. Experts also highlighted the role of institutional investors in liquidity management and financing supply chains across the GCC and Africa.

As the UAE continues to diversify its economy, ECI remains committed to supporting national exporters through cutting-edge financial solutions, ensuring sustainable growth and global competitiveness for UAE-based businesses.

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