The Latin American Export Bank (BLADEX) is a multinational bank created by the Central Banks of Latin America and the Caribbean countries, specialized in foreign trade in this Region. The agreement for its establishment was signed in September 1977 at the meeting of Central Bank Governors held in Cartagena, Colombia. In January 1978, BLADEX was organized as a corporation under the laws of Panama. In July 1978, it was granted by the government of Panama the privileges and immunities generally extended to international official organizations. The General Assembly of Stockholders meets once a year and its Board of Directors four times a year. It has the shareholder participation of 23 countries of the Region, represented by Latin America´s central and commercial banks, as well as international banks, and private investors.

BLADEX has a unique client franchise consisting of 161 clients in the different countries of the Region. Its client base includes commercial banks, state-owned entities and private corporations of the Region. Its distribution network, market penetration and close relationship with clients provide a strong value creation capability for the future. It enjoys long-standing relationships with its clients in good times as well as in challenging times and is the leading provider of trade financing in the Region.

It maintains credit relations with many high quality corporations of the Region through co-financing mechanisms with local banks as well as underwriting and participating in syndicated loans. BLADEX provides financing at market rates principally to its stockholder banks and to other selected commercial banks and state-owned organizations in the Region. BLADEX borrowers then onlend to various businesses and institutions engaged in foreing trade in the Region. BLADEX also lends directly to private corporations mostly engaged in foreign trade in the Region. BLADEX strictly adheres to commercial criteria in the extension of credit facilities.

BLADEX short-term funding comes from inter-bank deposits, principally, from central banks and financial institutions in the region, short-term borrowings from international banks and other institutions, and floating and fixed rate placements in the international markets. BLADEX is one of the few Latin America institutions with an investment grade rating from the major rating agencies.

COMPOSITION

23 Latin American and Caribbean member countries: Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

STRUCTURE

BLADEX is governed by a Shareholders Assembly and a Board of Directors. The Executive Vice President serves as the Chief Executive Officer.

The Board of Directors is responsible for policy making and overall guidelines. The Board consists of 9 members.

GENERAL PUBLICATIONS