The Global Crisis: a Wake-up Call for Trade Finance Capacity-Building in Emerging Asia

The global economic crisis has attracted renewed attention to the issue of trade finance as exporters in some countries, particularly SMEs, struggle to secure much needed short-term financing and protection against rising commercial risks at a time when demand for their products has fallen dramatically. The higher costs and limited availability of trade finance has prompted action by international financial institutions, as the threat it poses to regional economies is significant.