In a dynamic session focused on unlocking financing opportunities and fostering collaboration, representatives from three leading U.S. government financial institutions—DFC, EXIM, and USTDA—engaged with U.S. Chambers of Commerce across the region.
Hosted under the auspices of the U.S. State Department, the meeting was opened by Sam Rotenberg, Regional Economic Officer, who welcomed participants and underlined the U.S. commitment to economic partnerships and private sector development in Europe and Eurasia.
The on line event provided a rich platform for the U.S. Chambers and regional stakeholders to explore how these three agencies can support the financing lifecycle of projects from planning to execution. Participants welcomed the direct engagement with senior leadership and gained practical insights into funding pathways that align with their development objectives.
The strategic alignment of U.S. financial instruments with regional development priorities presents a strong opportunity for increased trade, investment, and collaboration in the near future.
DFC: Empowering Development through Strategic Investment
The first session featured the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), with a presentation by Carlos deJuana, Managing Director for Europe, Western Hemisphere, Energy and Critical Minerals, and Katherine Klaric, Director for Europe.
They outlined DFC’s mission to provide financing for private development projects that advance U.S. foreign policy goals while generating economic growth in partner countries. With a focus on sectors such as energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, and climate resilience, DFC emphasized its suite of tools, including debt financing, equity investments, political risk insurance, and technical development.
EXIM: Export Financing for Competitive Global Trade
Following DFC, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) was represented by Benjamin Todd, Vice President of Global Business Development.
Todd highlighted EXIM’s mandate to promote U.S. exports by offering loan guarantees, direct loans, and export credit insurance. The agency’s tools are designed to level the playing field for American businesses competing in global markets, particularly where private-sector lenders may be reluctant to provide credit.
EXIM’s presentation focused on how regional businesses can collaborate with U.S. exporters, and benefit from EXIM’s capacity to finance large-scale procurement of U.S. goods and services, especially in the infrastructure, transportation, and energy sectors.
USTDA: Building Bridges Through Project Preparation and Feasibility
Concluding the session, Carl Kress, Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, Europe & Eurasia, and Sara Leming, Country Manager for Europe & Eurasia, presented the portfolio and mission of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).
USTDA plays a catalytic role in project development, offering funding for feasibility studies, technical assistance, and pilot projects. Its objective is to link U.S. private sector expertise with infrastructure projects in emerging economies, facilitating sustainable and modern development solutions.
Kress and Leming underscored USTDA’s strong track record in supporting sectors such as digital infrastructure, clean energy, aviation, and transport logistics, emphasizing the agency’s ability to prepare projects for bankability and attract financing from institutions like DFC and EXIM.
