Export-Import Bank of the United States Stands Ready to Work With U.S. Companies Interested
in the Growing Russian Market

LONDON - The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), citing strong domestic demand and higher energy prices in Russia, as well as a commitment to reform and fiscal discipline by the Russian government, announced that it is prepared to help U.S. businesses tap into the potentially lucrative Russian markets.

At the recent 2001CIS Banking Forum in London, Jeffrey L. Miller, Group Vice President of Structured Trade and Finance with Ex-Im Bank (www.exim.gov), discussed the Bank's outlook on Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

"Russia is a strategic market for U.S. investors and exporters," said Miller. "During the next 10-15 years, it will continue modernizing its economy and infrastructure; this will require huge investments in everything from telecommunications, transportation, and manufacturing to health services, water and waste treatment facilities, and its energy sector," continued Miller. "The potential opportunity for U.S. companies and investors to supply technology, capital equipment, and investment is enormous."

Miller spoke at the two-day conference attended by senior CIS government officials, executives from financial institutions and other private sector companies from the United States and throughout the world.

To read the full text of Jeffrey Miller's speech at the 2001 CIS Banking Forum, view full text of Jeffrey Miller Speech. The speech can be found in "Ex-Im News" on the home page.

Ex-Im Bank is an independent U.S. government agency that helps finance the sale of U.S. exports primarily to emerging markets throughout the world, by providing loans, guarantees, and insurance. Ex-Im Bank financed $12.5 billion in U.S. exports in fiscal year 2001, including the authorization of $156.6 million in support of U.S. equipment and services shipped to the Russian Federation.