LPEI Discuss Export Strengthening And Economic Recovery At The Asian Exim Bank Forum

Illustration. (Doc. Setkab)

JAKARTA - The 26th Asian Exim Bank Forum (AEBF) annual meeting some time ago on November 2, 2021 was held virtually and was attended by 11 Exim Banks in Asia and Oceania along with a permanent observer, namely the Asian Development Bank. This time, Türk Eximbank is the host for the annual meeting.

The Indonesian Export Financing Agency (LPEI)/Indonesia Eximbank was also present at the event along with other Exim Banks namely Export Finance Australia, China Eximbank, India Eximbank, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, The Export-Import Bank of Korea, EXIM Bank of Malaysia, Philippine Guarantee Corporation, Export-Import Bank of Thailand, Türk Eximbank, Vietnam Development Bank.

LPEI's Managing Director III, Agus Windiarto, attended the meeting and was involved in discussions with 11 leaders of Exim Banks from friendly countries regarding the impact of COVID-19 on trade and investment flows in Asia. In his presentation, the Government of Indonesia took several steps as an effort to restore the National Economy by focusing on five aspects, namely: health, social protection, priority programs, support for business actors, and providing business incentives.

“Indonesia Eximbank is involved in several Government programs such as the Government Corporate Guarantee (JAMINAH), Government Investment Program, and Financing for strategic sectors affected by COVID-19. In addition, LPEI also received special government assignments for the development of the tourism sector, special assignments for the region, SMEs, trade finance, and transportation equipment," said Agus Windiarto in his written statement, Wednesday, November 24.

Exim Bank leaders share the same view that the world economy is starting to show improvement and AEBF members need to strengthen cooperation in dealing with the post-pandemic.

At the meeting, the CEO of Turk Eximbank, Ali Guney said that the important lessons to be learned from the pandemic were the importance of paying attention to aspects of sustainability, green finance, innovative products that can support business actors, and the importance of digital transformation.

The President of China Eximbank, Wu Fulin added that the exchange of information and collaboration between Exim Banks needs to be improved. The business approach needs to be directed to environmentally friendly areas.

The AEBF Forum was established as an effort to form collaboration for Eximbank members in increasing trade and investment between member countries, regionally and globally. The establishment of the AEBF was initiated by the first meeting held in India which was initiated by the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim India) in 1996. LPEI Indonesia has been a member of the AEBF since 1999.

AEBF activities consist of Technical Working Group Meeting (TWGM), Training Committee, CEOs Annual Meetings, Training/Capacity Building, and other activities agreed by AEBF members. In 2016, LPEI had the opportunity to host the 22nd AEBF Annual Meeting which was held in Bali.