UAE, Australia Sign Trade Finance Pact to Boost Investment Ties

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 (MoU) aimed at strengthening trade and investment cooperation between the UAE and Australia across key economic sectors.

The agreement was signed during TXF Global in Prague, one of the world’s leading export finance conferences. The MoU was signed by Raja Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of ECI, and John Hopkins, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EFA.

Speaking on the occasion, Al Mazrouei described Australia as an important partner for the UAE, highlighting the strong relationship between the two countries based on mutual trust, shared values, and a common commitment to economic diversification and sustainable growth.

She said the agreement supports the goals of the UAE-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and is expected to create new opportunities for cooperation in several priority sectors. According to her, the partnership will help unlock financing opportunities for sustainable and innovation-driven projects, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation.

Al Mazrouei added that strategic partnerships such as this strengthen ECI’s role in supporting the UAE’s economic diversification efforts, improving trade resilience, and enhancing the country’s position in global trade, exports, and investment.

John Hopkins said the MoU builds on the strong foundation of the Australia-UAE partnership and further strengthens cooperation between EFA and ECI. He noted that the agreement will provide a platform for increased investment and collaboration in key sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, transport, digital infrastructure, and critical supply chains.

Under the agreement, both organizations will work together to promote trade and investment flows between the UAE and Australia. The partnership will also support co-financing opportunities for eligible projects in both countries and in third markets, particularly across Southeast Asia.

In addition, the MoU encourages knowledge sharing and institutional collaboration, allowing both agencies to exchange expertise, industry insights, and best practices. The agreement also aims to expand cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, energy transition infrastructure, transportation, and digital infrastructure.

The MoU establishes a long-term framework for strategic cooperation between ECI and EFA, reflecting the commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations while supporting sustainable economic growth and development.