The meeting of the heads of G7 Export Credit Agencies met in London, United Kingdom to discuss international trade.
The leaders of official export credit agencies (ECAs) of the G7 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America) met in London on 19-20 May, hosted by UK Export Finance, to discuss recent business trends and challenges.
Serving national customers was at the heart of the meeting. Discussions took place on strengthening supply chains with a focus on critical and raw materials, enhancing domestic support programmes, and adapting to evolving economic and policy landscapes.
The group also talked about the evolving ECA landscape, the challenges arising from increasing overlap of trade and development, the increasing need to focus on support in emerging markets and mobilise private finance.
There was a constructive discussion on G7 ECA business under the Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits and the Group recognised the need to maintain the level playing field; transparency, relevancy and energy were key issues explored.
We discussed how best to leverage digital innovation to improve efficiency and better meet customers' needs. There was agreement that there is a need for investment in AI and digitalisation in order to keep pace with business.
Acknowledging that we are operating in shifting political times, we agreed that our strength lies in our collaboration. By working together, sharing risks, and trying to resolve challenges together, we can enhance our resilience as ECAs and expand our global outreach, and in doing so we will help support economic growth and stability at home.
A parallel Growing Professionals programme, now in its fourth year, explored practical innovations in export finance. The initiative brought together seven Growing Professionals from each organisation and aims to foster the next generation of international trade professionals.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held in Spring 2026 and hosted by US EXIM in Washington.
Agreed by the Heads of the G7 ECAs/Guardian Authorities.
Atsuo Kuroda (NEXI, Japan), Bastian Kern (Export Credit Guarantees Germany), Tim Reid (UKEF), Alison Nankivell (EDC, Canada), Armel Castets (Export Finance and Trade Promotion Division, France), James C. Cruse (US EXIM), Paola Valerio (SACE, Italy).
