By Kemi Osukoya | G7 & Finance

The U.S. Export-Import Bank hosted officials from G-7 nations‘ export credit agencies in Washington on April 27-28, ahead of the G7 Leaders’ summit scheduled for June in France.

The meeting, led by EXIM President and Chairman John Jovanovic, brought together representatives from Canada–Allison Nankivell of Export Development Canada, Armel Castets of Export Finance and Trade Division, France, Korbinian Wagner, chairman Interministerial Committee for Export Credit Guarantees in Germany, Michele Pignotti of SACE, Italy, Yuichiro Akita of Nippon Export and Investment Insurance, Japan and the United Kingdom‘s Tim Reed of U.K. Export Finance.

During the two day meetings, officials discussed ways to expand support for exporters, with a focus on financing for critical minerals and the use of blended finance. The Group also reviewed how export credit agencies can support national industrial strategies and strengthen supply chains in priority sectors.

Participants also addressed potential cooperation in emerging areas, including artificial intelligence, and talked about ongoing efforts to update the global export credit rules under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development framework. They agreed that work on “Arrangement Modernization II” will continue, underscoring adapting rules to current market conditions. Expanded talks on financing flexibility, tied to aid and transparency to reflect differences in national mandates.

The meetings wrapped up with consensus to continue talks into the upcoming OECD negotiations.

The group is expected to meet next in Paris.