ECGC to diversify product range

Our Banking Bureau
23 January 2004

Chennai: The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India is likely to diversify into insurance lines that complement its primary business of export credit insurance following increased competition from the private sector.

Mr P.M.A. Hakeem, Chairman and Managing Director, said that in the event the company chose to diversify it would be in areas that complemented export credit insurance. As an example, he identified marine insurance as an area that would sit well with ECGC's core business. At present, ECGC insures about 15 per cent of India's exports. ECGC officials expect private sector players to take away a few high-end clients, but are confident of dominating the segment of the market that comprises small consignments to third world countries.

ECGC is upbeat about the spin-offs from increased competition. Mr Hakeem pointed out that ECGC had recently widened its product range from one policy to about six, and linked 35 branches through information technology to hasten decisions.