Increased Financing for Guatemalan Buyers of US Goods and Services

The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) has granted a $10.6 million credit facility to Bantrab (Banco de Los Trabajadores) a private, worker-owned Guatemalan financial institution. The credit facility is guaranteed by the US Export-Import Bank, and its purpose is to increase financing to the 800,000 shareholders of and corporate clients of Bantrab, to foster increased business between US companies and Guatemalan buyers.

The US Export-Import Bank finances the sale of US exports especially in developing countries, such as in Central America, by guaranteeing loans, providing export-credit insurance, as well as direct loans. All with the purpose of creating and sustaining US jobs.

Much of the money will be directed to Guatemalan customers who are in need to financing to purchase US goods they desire. It is hoped that the $10.6 million will increase the demand of US goods and services in Guatemala and provide a means to satisfy that demand.