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Ukraine’s Export Potential: How OTP Bank, ECA, and USAID IBR Help Ukrainian Companies Conquer Global Markets

27/ 09/ 2024
    Ukrainian businesses are receiving significant support from financial institutions, as highlighted during a conference within the framework of the Exporters: Talk & Network project, dedicated to effective strategies and tools for supporting export-oriented companies. Representatives from OTP Bank, the Export Credit Agency (ECA), and USAID IBR shared their achievements and future plans. Their joint efforts aim to expand access to financing for Ukrainian companies, reduce export risks, and create new jobs. Volodymyr Mudryi, Chairman of the Management Board of OTP Bank, emphasized the bank’s role as a financial partner, its involvement in export-import operations, and its development strategy. He noted that OTP Bank has been operating in Ukraine for 26 years and is part of the strong European financial group OTP Group, which leads the banking markets of countries like Slovenia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Croatia. Volodymyr Mudryi also highlighted that OTP Bank was named the most efficient bank in Europe by Standard & Poors due to its high liquidity, capital, and debt management performance. During his speech, he shared predictions about the growing gap between exports and imports in Ukraine, which impacts the exchange rate, and encouraged businesses to explore cooperation opportunities with OTP Group in other countries. Mudryi noted that the OTP Bank in Ukraine actively supports export operations. The most common goods involved in export contracts with the banks clients include agricultural products and ores. He also highlighted the banks most useful and convenient products and services designed to facilitate the work of exporters, offering tailored solutions for clients regarding foreign exchange operations. OTP Bank actively collaborates with international financial institutions such as the USAID IBR Investing for Business Resilience project and the EBRD, while expanding programs with the IFC. Mudryi emphasized that successful lending is only possible through detailed discussions of business ideas and strategies with clients, pointing out that aligning with the specific needs of the business and export activities is essential for achieving results. Ruslan Hashev, Chairman of the Management Board of PJSC ECA, spoke about the development of the agency and its products in response to the demands of export-oriented businesses and due to changes in the relevant legislation that took effect in 2022. According to him, the volume of supported exports grew from UAH 100 million in 2018 to UAH 7.9 billion in 2023. The agency plans to reach UAH 8 billion by the end of the year and continue increasing this figure by implementing its Development Strategy through 2029, developed in cooperation with the World Bank. The agency’s main product is insurance for foreign trade contracts, but the insurance of bank loans issued by ECAs partner banks for export contracts is also popular among clients. Banks accept ECA insurance as sufficient collateral, making it easier for exporters to obtain financing and reducing its cost. In 2024 alone, banks issued approximately UAH 390 million in loans under ECA insurance. Since June 2024, ECA has been offering insurance for investment loans and direct investments against war and political risks and plans to expand its services to include insurance for commercial risks related to investment projects. Hashev noted that certain legislative improvements are needed. For example, the maximum insurance coverage ECA can currently offer is UAH 200 million, which does not meet the needs of large corporate businesses, making it important to increase the agency’s statutory capital. Yulia Vitka, Deputy Chief of the Party of the USAID Investment for Business Resilience Activity, focused on the project’s goals and programs, which have a budget of $93 million and will continue until July 2027. The primary objectives include creating 20,000 jobs, increasing sales for Ukrainian enterprises by $250 million, unlocking capital for financing, and boosting tax revenues to the state budget. The project consists of two main program blocks. The first block involves working with financial institutions such as OTP Bank, where financing is provided at a reduced interest rate of 9.9%. Vitka noted that the project has already unlocked $18 million in capital. The second block focuses on factoring finance programs, leasing programs with Credit Agricole Bank, and new initiatives such as crop insurance, which helps farmers obtain loans. Special attention is given to co-investment programs, which require businesses to make their contributions. The project has received 319 applications for co-financing, of which 15 companies have been selected. One example is Uterm, which was able to restore production after relocation with the help of grant funds. Vitka also emphasized the importance of preparing detailed business plans and understanding the market landscape for the successful implementation of projects. She encouraged businesses to involve specialists in developing clear financial models, which would simplify the process of collaborating with USAID IBR. Concluding her speech, she noted that the majority of the project’s funds will be contracted by the end of the year. We extend our gratitude to the speakers for the opportunity to join in the discussion of the challenges companies face in international markets, as well as the prospects for expanding exports of Ukrainian goods and services.
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Ukrainian businesses are receiving significant support from financial institutions, as highlighted during a conference within the framework of the “Exporters: Talk & Network” project, dedicated to effective strategies and tools for supporting export-oriented companies. Representatives from OTP Bank, the Export Credit Agency (ECA), and USAID IBR shared their achievements and future plans. Their joint efforts aim to expand access to financing for Ukrainian companies, reduce export risks, and create new jobs.

Volodymyr Mudryi, Chairman of the Management Board of OTP Bank, emphasized the bank’s role as a financial partner, its involvement in export-import operations, and its development strategy. He noted that OTP Bank has been operating in Ukraine for 26 years and is part of the strong European financial group OTP Group, which leads the banking markets of countries like Slovenia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Croatia. Volodymyr Mudryi also highlighted that OTP Bank was named the most efficient bank in Europe by Standard & Poor’s due to its high liquidity, capital, and debt management performance.

During his speech, he shared predictions about the growing gap between exports and imports in Ukraine, which impacts the exchange rate, and encouraged businesses to explore cooperation opportunities with OTP Group in other countries.

Mudryi noted that the OTP Bank in Ukraine actively supports export operations. The most common goods involved in export contracts with the bank’s clients include agricultural products and ores. He also highlighted the bank’s most useful and convenient products and services designed to facilitate the work of exporters, offering tailored solutions for clients regarding foreign exchange operations. OTP Bank actively collaborates with international financial institutions such as the USAID IBR “Investing for Business Resilience” project and the EBRD, while expanding programs with the IFC. Mudryi emphasized that successful lending is only possible through detailed discussions of business ideas and strategies with clients, pointing out that aligning with the specific needs of the business and export activities is essential for achieving results.

Ruslan Hashev, Chairman of the Management Board of PJSC ECA, spoke about the development of the agency and its products in response to the demands of export-oriented businesses and due to changes in the relevant legislation that took effect in 2022. According to him, the volume of supported exports grew from UAH 100 million in 2018 to UAH 7.9 billion in 2023. The agency plans to reach UAH 8 billion by the end of the year and continue increasing this figure by implementing its Development Strategy through 2029, developed in cooperation with the World Bank.

The agency’s main product is insurance for foreign trade contracts, but the insurance of bank loans issued by ECA’s partner banks for export contracts is also popular among clients. Banks accept ECA insurance as sufficient collateral, making it easier for exporters to obtain financing and reducing its cost. In 2024 alone, banks issued approximately UAH 390 million in loans under ECA insurance.

Since June 2024, ECA has been offering insurance for investment loans and direct investments against war and political risks and plans to expand its services to include insurance for commercial risks related to investment projects.

Hashev noted that certain legislative improvements are needed. For example, the maximum insurance coverage ECA can currently offer is UAH 200 million, which does not meet the needs of large corporate businesses, making it important to increase the agency’s statutory capital.

Yulia Vitka, Deputy Chief of the Party of the USAID Investment for Business Resilience Activity, focused on the project’s goals and programs, which have a budget of $93 million and will continue until July 2027. The primary objectives include creating 20,000 jobs, increasing sales for Ukrainian enterprises by $250 million, unlocking capital for financing, and boosting tax revenues to the state budget.

The project consists of two main program blocks. The first block involves working with financial institutions such as OTP Bank, where financing is provided at a reduced interest rate of 9.9%. Vitka noted that the project has already unlocked $18 million in capital. The second block focuses on factoring finance programs, leasing programs with Credit Agricole Bank, and new initiatives such as crop insurance, which helps farmers obtain loans.

Special attention is given to co-investment programs, which require businesses to make their contributions. The project has received 319 applications for co-financing, of which 15 companies have been selected. One example is Uterm, which was able to restore production after relocation with the help of grant funds.

Vitka also emphasized the importance of preparing detailed business plans and understanding the market landscape for the successful implementation of projects. She encouraged businesses to involve specialists in developing clear financial models, which would simplify the process of collaborating with USAID IBR. Concluding her speech, she noted that the majority of the project’s funds will be contracted by the end of the year.

We extend our gratitude to the speakers for the opportunity to join in the discussion of the challenges companies face in international markets, as well as the prospects for expanding exports of Ukrainian goods and services.

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