PROJECT

Projects

Summary of Proposed Investment

Project Number

11640

Company Name

Zurich Asian Risk Sharing Facility

Date SPI Disclosed

Feb 5, 2003

Country

East Asia and Pacific Region

Industry

Financial Markets

Projected Board Date

Mar 7, 2003

Status

Completed

Sector

Trade Finance

Department

Regional Industry - FIG Asia & Pac

Environmental Category

C - No Impact

Previous Events

Approved : Mar 27, 2003
Signed : Jun 23, 2003

Project Description

The proposed investment consists of a risk-sharing facility under which IFC would share with a member insurer of Zurich, a portion of the emerging market financial institution risk associated with medium-term trade transactions. Eligible transactions will be backed by bankers’ acceptances, letters of credit (L/C’s) and other standard trade facilitation instruments issued by the covered emerging market financial institution’s on behalf of importers in emerging markets. Under this facility, Zurich would issue a credit risk insurance policy covering the risk of an emerging market financial institution and IFC would cover a portion of this risk through a risk-sharing agreement with Zurich. The project's developmental impact lies primarily in supporting the recovery of emerging markets by providing additional access to term finance necessary to fund the import of capital goods and services. The limited access to this finance in emerging market economies is a key constraint to the ability of these countries to import the capital goods that they need to develop. IFC's participation in the project will help enable Zurich offer a new, much needed product that provides medium term risk coverage on emerging market financial institutions.

Sponsor / Cost / Location

Development Impact