EximBank closes 2013 with four times higher profits after taxes

Bucharest, February 24, 2014 – EximBank has registered at the end of 2013 almost 50 million lei net profit, a figure four times higher as compared to2012, following the increase of commercial activity and more efficient resources management, as per the preliminary financial reports.

„The ascending trend of the financial indicators of EximBank clearly states the accuracy of the business principles that founded our strategic thinking. The business model that we have implemented – focused on continuous increase of the quality of our activity – proves to be efficient and I would only give one indicator – the total exposure of the bank which is higher by 30% as compared to last year, up to 5 billion lei, operating an extended network but with 10% less staff.”, said Traian Halalai, President of EximBank.

In order to facilitate the companies’ access to its products as well as to support the organic development of the bank, during last year, EximBank has opened new agencies in Galati, Pitesti Ploiesti and Targu Mures.

”We do believe that it is important to underline the fact that the bank’s exposure on the financing/crediting segment increased last year with 60% as compared to December 2012, up to almost 2 billion lei, at a higher pace than the guarantees business line. We have continued our active presence on the corporate financing segment and I consider this as an incentive for local companies in terms of convincing them that they don’t have to wait for perfect conditions to develop their businesses but to approach us in order to support their plans. EximBank has both the capacity and the availability to go along with them for reaching relevant targets.”, added Traian Halalai.

During the last year, the bank has expanded its clients’ portfolio, by closing deals with some of the most representative business players such as Alro, Antibiotice Iasi, Agricover IFN, Grup Servicii Petroliere, Adrem Invest or Romcab.

The EximBank representative mentioned that, in terms of strategy, the focus in 2013 has moved from state titles acquisitions to financing the economy and the bank will continue its role on this segment, by accelerating the crediting activity.

”This year we will be looking closely at supporting the companies active in the production field and they will be a highly important business target for us. We will continue, of course, to support the actual and potential exporters. Summing up, our main objective will be identifying and supporting as many Romanian companies’ projects.” explained the President of EximBank.

He added that the network expansion process will continue – having as target that by the end of 2014, EximBank operates with 20 units as compared to 12 units at the end of 2012, along with the optimization of the network running costs, by reducing administrative expenses by relocation of some units.

Another important point for EximBank’s 2014 agenda is continuing the direct communication process with the business community that will be implemented on two levels. One level is represented by the direct meetings with local business communities in the country whilst on the other one the bank will be involved in developing the Romanian Association of Exporters – AREX.

”AREX has been founded by 50 of the most important Romanian exporting companies and continues receiving membership requests from companies all over the country. The first procedures have been concluded, the documentation has been submitted and we expect that in two weeks’ time to be receiving the “birth certificate” of AREX. We consider AREX as an alternative for the companies wishing to keep up with the market developments because it will focus on networking and know how transfer from the experienced exporters to the ones looking for a more consistent presence on external markets.”, explained Traian Halalai.

EximBank has started at the end of last year the project of establishing AREX, aiming at contributing to the promotion of Romanian companies involved in international commercial transactions and to the consolidation of Romanian presence on foreign markets.

EximBank is a specialized institution whose threefold product portfolio focused on financing, guarantee and insurance, enables it to grant assistance to current activities and development of exporters, SME-s and companies involved in projects pertaining to key economic sectors, particularly those contributing to the absorption of EU funds. The Bank has a network of 16 units; also, interested companies may access additional information on www.eximbank.ro.