The Trade Finance Program and Its Role in Lifting Impediments to Trade

Abstract

Data from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) show that all the multilateral development banks increased their lending limits and resources in 2015 while the Trade Finance Program (TFP) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) continues to extend its range of products and initiatives to sustain trade flows. The TFP is a nimble crisis response vehicle, able to mobilize resources when disasters hit the more vulnerable countries. Most recently, ADB established an emergency trade facility for banks in Nepal to increase their capacity for aid and reconstruction following the earthquakes of 2015. ADB is also aware of the region’s continuing need for more knowledge and expertise. Committed to filling this need in trade finance, the TFP sponsors training seminars and workshops in a variety of trade finance and related topics for individual banks, countries, and subregions, to improve expertise and help mitigate risk. ADB also provides advice and expertise to local banks in four countries in formulating gender-inclusive policies.