Eximbank to Overhaul EDCF Operations: Full Disclosure of Project Information and Adoption of Real-Name Policy

"The First Year of Enhanced Transparency and Fairness"
Focusing Resources on AI, Supply Chains, and Culture

The Export-Import Bank of Korea is embarking on a major overhaul by fully disclosing key project information of the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and introducing a policy real-name system. At the same time, the bank plans to invest a total of 9 trillion won over the next three years to focus on supporting the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), supply chains, and culture, with the aim of strengthening the overseas expansion of Korean companies and enhancing the global competitiveness of the nation’s strategic industries through development cooperation.

Hwang Giyeon, President of the Export-Import Bank, is speaking at the '2026 EDCF Innovation Strategy Report Meeting' held at the Bankers Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 10th.

On June 10, the Export-Import Bank of Korea held the '2026 EDCF Innovation Strategy Report Meeting' at the Bankers' Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, attended by around 200 representatives from businesses, related organizations, and academia, outlining these key initiatives.

The EDCF is an economic aid fund for developing countries established by the Korean government in 1987. It supports the economic development of developing nations and economic cooperation with Korea by providing long-term, low-interest loans.

This innovation strategy was developed in response to a widening funding gap caused by a decrease in available grant resources and an increase in development needs, as well as the growing importance of Official Development Assistance (ODA) in a changing global environment.

First, the Export-Import Bank of Korea will make core information public from project discovery through approval and evaluation, and will introduce a policy real-name and project history system to ensure transparent management of decision-making processes. The bank also plans to expand the participation of private-sector experts at the review stage, strengthen integrated on-site inspections and internal reporting systems, and thereby block any undue external interference.

In addition, the bank will newly approve a total of 9 trillion won in EDCF funds from 2026 to 2028, concentrating resources on the AI, supply chain, and cultural sectors. Through this, the bank aims to expand AI and digital cooperation, actively discover flagship projects for the spread of K-content, and promote cooperation on supply chains for critical minerals.

Opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in EDCF projects will also be expanded. To reduce the burdens companies face due to exchange rate fluctuations, the bank will strengthen consultations with recipient countries to expand localized contracts and address challenges that arise during project implementation.

Hwang Giyeon, President of the Export-Import Bank of Korea, stated, "Starting today, the EDCF will be completely renewed. Based on transparency and fairness, we will transform the fund into one that the public can trust, and on this foundation, foster flagship projects in AI, supply chains, and culture to further expand the reach of our economy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.