Prague: Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE's federal export credit company, and Export Finance Australia (EFA), Australia's export credit agency, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in advancing trade and investment between the UAE and Australia across key economic sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the signing ceremony took place during TXF Global in Prague, a leading international conference for export finance. The MoU was signed by Raja Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of ECI, and John Hopkins, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EFA.
Al Mazrouei emphasized the value of Australia as a partner for the UAE, noting the long-standing relationship built on mutual trust, shared values, and a commitment to economic diversification and sustainable growth. She highlighted that the agreement aligns with the objectives of the UAE-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to deepen bilateral economic ties and create new opportunities for cooperation across priority sectors.
'Through this partnership, we aim to unlock new financing opportunities for sustainable, innovation-driven projects across priority sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation. Strategic alliances like this reinforce ECI's role in driving the UAE's economic diversification agenda, enhancing trade resilience, and further elevating the nation's global standing in export, investment, and international trade,' Al Mazrouei added.
Hopkins expressed that building on the strong foundation of the Australia-UAE partnership, including the Australia-UAE CEPA, this MoU deepens the relationship through practical cooperation and shared ambition, advancing prosperity, security, and opportunity for both nations. He noted that the MoU strengthens the relationship between EFA and ECI, providing a platform for greater cooperation and investment in key areas including renewable energy, infrastructure, transport, digital infrastructure, and critical supply chains.
The partnership aims to promote joint initiatives that enhance trade and investment flows between the two nations, while enabling co-financing of eligible projects within their respective markets and in third regions, particularly Southeast Asia. The MoU also supports knowledge exchange and institutional collaboration, allowing both entities to share expertise, insights, and best practices across priority sectors.
Additionally, the agreement seeks to advance collaboration in key sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure supporting the energy transition, transportation, and digital infrastructure. The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for long-term strategic cooperation between the two export credit agencies, reinforcing the shared commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties in line with the Australia-UAE CEPA, while advancing their roles as regional leaders in sustainable economic growth.