GTR Magazine - January / February 2009
GTR Magazine: January / February 2009
Leaders in Trade Awards: The leading lights in trade finance
Despite a tough year for the banking world and the global economy, those active in the trade and export markets are seemingly still doing something right, with over 4,000 votes cast for GTR’s first annual readers’ poll on the leading financial institutions in trade finance 2008.
The annual GTR readers’ poll for Leaders in Trade 2008 was set up as a chance for our readers to let us know their views on which financial institutions have really excelled in the trade, commodity and export finance markets during 2008.
The competition has been divided into a select group of categories, with 17 different awards available, covering both regional achievements and specific financing expertise.
Year Review: Burning brightly or burning out?
It looks likely that 2008 will join 1929 and 1973 as a tumultuous year in global finance. Yet trade finance seems to have fared rather better than most other financing disciplines. GTR asks, Can the same be said of 2009?
Trade in Crisis: How to keep the market afloat
Erika Morphy looks at whether the initiatives taken by various multilaterals during the last months of 2008 to pump much-needed liquidity back into the market have taken effect. Has the estimated US$25bn gap in the trade finance market been plugged yet?
German Trade and Export Report: A giant calls for help
As Germany’s exports plummet, its exporters are turning to export credit agencies (ECA) for support, filling out applications for Euler Hermes cover in their droves. The German government also has renewed its commitment to support German exports. The banking sector now needs to ensure it can meet the upsurge in demand for trade and export products. Rebecca Spong reports.
Reinsurance Focus: Renewing old ties
Reinsurers and primary insurers have once again conjoined for their key annual interface, writes Kevin Godier
Supply Chain Finance: A recession buster?
Governments are doing all they can to fight the recession short of throwing the kitchen sink at the problem. Given the importance of cashflow to corporate survival, could there be some role for supply chain finance (SCF) in the war against recession, asks Justin Pugsley.
Supply Chain Finance: It's more than technology
The Nordics are not only home to some of the world's best run corporates, but also some of the most enlightened in terms of supply chain management. Alexander Braun, global head of solution management within global transaction services (GTS) at SEB talks to Justin Pugsley about the Swedish bank's methodology towards supporting those corporates.
Middle East Report: A rare growth area for ECAs
With capital markets tight and the World Trade Organisation highlighting the importance of trade finance, are export credit agencies (ECAs) a ray of hope for Middle Eastern borrowers with large projects to finance and who no longer have a competitive commercial market to turn to? Lucy Fielder and Nicholas Noe report.
Piracy and war fails to dent Middle East-Africa Trade
Piracy, never-ending conflicts, and a severe lack of law enforcement would probably be sufficient enough to ward off even the most adventurous from trading and investing in around Eastern Africa. Such dangers are even more unpalatable in the current risk-averse environment. Yet trade and investment from the Middle East continues to flourish, driven in part by concerns in the Gulf over food security, writes Zoe Alsop.
Sub-Saharan Africa Roundtable: A Safe Haven?
Sub-Saharan Africa has had relatively little exposure to ‘toxic’ assets presently destroying the balance sheets of international banks and sending OECD economies into a downward spiral. This could potentially boost the continent’s image as an attractive investment destination.
GTR asks a group of African specialists to what extent Sub-Saharan Africa could be seen as a safe haven for investors seeking good returns.
Commodity financing: Banks re-evaluate Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa, once written off by all but the most adventurous entrepreneurs, has staged an impressive comeback. However, could plunging commodities prices and risk aversion now threaten that renaissance? Justin Pugsley reports.
Oil and Gas in Africa: What's in the pipeline for 2009?
Africa’s hydrocarbons sector has not been immune to the shrinking of credit availability, but deals, including Sonangol’s annual syndicated loan, continue to go ahead, writes Kevin Godier.
Eurasian Review: Setting it straight
With the once highly sought after markets in Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine now seemingly veering off-course, optimism about doing business in the region is in short supply. GTR gather three Eurasian analysts to discuss what the future holds.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Keeping faith in power
Appetite to finance power projects in Sub-Saharan Africa is persistently growing, with a widening range of investors and developers looking to get a foothold in the market. However, the sector is still plagued by delays and a lack of sufficient momentum from governments and African utility providers. Kevin Godier reports.
Telecoms in Africa: A buzzing market
Telecoms financiers focused on the Africa market are seeing significant business opportunities, writes Kevin Godier, especially in the most technologically advanced sectors.
PRI in Africa: Cover needed more than ever
Sub-Saharan Africa is generating significant demand to underwriters in political risk insurance (PRI) markets, which have shown some strong appetite in the face of considerable challenges, writes Kevin Godier.
Law Report: Improved legal frameworks in Africa
GTR gathers together three top lawyers to discuss the difficulties of structuring trade deals in Sub-Saharan Africa and how much progress has been made in implementing legal reforms.
Sub Saharan Africa Focus: The role of China
Africa has presented an untapped paradise of natural resources for Chinese investors who were unconstrained by the human rights protocols and shareholder value constraints of western counterparts. China has invested billions, yet it is feeling the backlash from host governments taking a stand against the concentration of economic influence in the hands of one foreign power and local populations whose expectations of economic growth have not been met. Elizabeth Stephens from JLT reports.
Sub-Saharan Africa Focus: Russia's scramble
Russian investment in Africa is increasing even as its own economy reels under the impact of the credit crunch. With commodity prices falling, some Russian investors are capitalising on the opportunity to buy access to resources that will be in great demand when the global economy rebounds, writes Elizabeth Stephens from JLT.
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Singapore - October 5-6, 2010
2nd Annual Asia Trade & Export Finance Conference
London - November 3-4, 2010
2nd Annual West Africa Trade & Commodity Finance Conference
Cairo - November 10-11, 2010
3rd Annual North Africa Trade & Investment Conference
Gothenburg - November 18, 2010
3rd Annual Nordic Region Trade & Export Finance Forum
Dubai - February 15-16, 2011
8th Annual Middle East Trade & Export Finance Conference
