Includes how major projects are financed and gives examples where relevant. Explains activities of the multilateral development banks in and other aid-funded projects where procurement is open to U.S. bidders.

Long term financing for infrastructure, industrial initiatives, and other major projects is available from both U.S. and international entities. Multilateral organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank are active players in development and project financing in Honduras, along with affiliated institutions such as the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), respectively. The Central American Bank of Economic Integration (CABEI) is also a leading source of multilateral financing.

The Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank), the official export credit agency of the United States, supports several trade transactions under a range of programs. It guarantees the repayment of loans, or makes loans to foreign purchasers of U.S. goods and services. Ex-Im Bank also provides credit insurance that protects U.S. exporters against the risks of non-payment by foreign buyers for political or commercial reasons. Ex-Im Bank does not compete with commercial lenders but assumes credit and country risks they cannot accept. Ex-Im Bank is not a development bank, and therefore looks for reasonable reassurance of repayment in all transactions.

Long-term financing is generally available only through special lines of credit that select commercial banks have with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration. The programs that are available concentrate on export projects, including export processing zones and industrial parks.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides credit guarantees for a wide range of agricultural products exported from the United States, as well as export bonuses for selected products under the Export Enhancement Program and the Dairy Export Incentive Program. The USDA financing programs are aimed at encouraging U.S. agricultural exports.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides financial and business development assistance to encourage and help small business develop export markets. SBA offers both loans and loan guarantees.

The U.S. Trade Development Agency (TDA) provides grants for feasibility studies overseas on projects with high U.S. products and services export potential.

Assistance from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is available for new investments, privatization, and for expansions and modernization of existing plants sponsored by U.S. investors. The investors must contribute additional capital for modernization and/or expansion to be eligible. Financing is not available for projects that can secure adequate financing from commercial sources.

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