Includes how major projects are financed and gives examples where relevant. Explains activities of the multilateral development banks in other aid-funded projects where procurement is open to U.S. bidders
Last Published: 6/15/2016

Financing required for investment proposals

The Bahamian government requires potential investors to have financing in place when applying for approval for project development or investment in The Bahamas.   See www.bahamas.gov.bs/bia


EXIM Bank

The Export-Import Bank (Exim bank) supports U.S. exports through export credit insurance, guarantees, and loans. 


OPIC

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), a self-sustaining U.S. Government agency, promotes private sector economic growth in developing countries by encouraging U.S. investment.  OPIC insurance and finance programs are available for new ventures that are commercially and financially sound, or for the expansion of existing viable businesses.  In all instances, the projects that OPIC supports must assist in the social and economic development of the host country as well as be consistent with the economic interest of the United States. OPIC financing is available only for ventures involving 25 percent equity and management participation by U.S. businesses.  Insurance is limited to the U.S. equity participation in the venture.  Projects must be within the demonstrated competence of the proposed management. 

OPIC assists investors through four principal programs:

  • Insurance of investments against certain political risks (for currency inconvertibility, expropriation, and war, revolution, insurrection, and civil strife);

  • Financing investments through direct loans or loan guarantees;

  • A program of investment missions; and

  • An investor information service.  
     

Bahamian government or IDB funding

Large projects in The Bahamas in recent times have been financed locally by the national social security program, the national insurance board and international lending agencies such the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Development Bank.


U.S. Commercial Service Liaison Offices at the Multilateral Development Banks (Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank)

The Commercial Service maintains Commercial Liaison Offices in each of the main Multilateral Development Banks, including the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank. These institutions lend billions of dollars in developing countries on projects aimed at accelerating economic growth and social development by reducing poverty and inequality, improving health and education, and advancing infrastructure development. The Commercial Liaison Offices help American businesses learn how to get involved in bank-funded projects, and advocate on behalf of American bidders. Learn more by contacting the Commercial Liaison Offices to the Inter-American Development Bank (http://export.gov/idb) and the World Bank (http://export.gov/worldbank).
 

Web Resources

Commercial Liaison Office to the Inter-American Development Bank: http://export.gov/idb
Commercial Liaison Office to the World Bank: http://export.gov/worldbank

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.