6 August 2004

Australia's export credit agency, Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) and leading business group NSW Business Chamber (formerly Australian Business Limited) have signed an alliance agreement that will create additional opportunities for Australian exporters and overseas investors. The new alliance will provide a strong platform to facilitate greater promotion and distribution of information in relation to exporting and investing overseas. 

Managing Directors Angus Armour EFIC and Mark Bethwaite NSW Business Chamber, said the key objective of the alliance was to work together to increase Australia's exporting and investing overseas.

EFIC plays a key role backing Australia's exporters and overseas investors by providing internationally competitive medium to long-term finance and insurance services including loans, guarantees, bonds and political risk insurance. EFIC will work with NSW Business Chamber to facilitate better delivery of export finance and insurance services to small and medium exporters.  

EFIC's products and services will be promoted to NSW Business Chamber's 21,000 strong membership, of which more than 27 percent are involved in exporting. NSW Business Chamber will be able to provide additional services to its members and facilitate access to Government exporter services.

The new alliance strengthens EFIC's commitment to increasing Australia's exports, and further enhances its relationships with other organisations providing important services to business in Australia.

For further information contact:

Nicholas Giurietto
Head of Marketing
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation
Tel: +61 2 9201 5209

Christine Gibbs Stewart
General Manager, International Trade & Business Solutions
NSW Business Chamber
Phone: +612 9458 7456