Romanian lender EximBank grew its assets by nearly 5 percent, reaching almost EUR 850 million last year, while the bank's total exposure, meaning the total volume of financing, guarantees and insurance provided on behalf of the state increased by almost 20 percent from the end of 2009. "Last year, EximBank's total exposure increased by almost 20 percent from the end of the previous year and doubled compared to the end of 2008”, according to a statement released by the bank.

Also, EximBank's activity in the name and behalf of the Romanian state registered in 2010 an increase of almost 40 percent compared to the end of 2009, with total commitments (financing, guarantees and insurance) being about four times higher than in 2008.

"In the context of extending the financial and economic crisis in 2010, EximBank has been actively involved in supporting companies, a thing demonstrated by the growing results. Over the past year, the bank has made ​​significant advances on all categories of products offered in the name and behalf of the Romanian state, most significant increase compared to December 2009, 162 percent, was recorded on the insurance segment,” said Ionut Costea, president of EximBank (in picture).

"Guarantees had the most pronounced dynamic evolution, reaching almost EUR 250 million, four times higher than the 2008 level,” he also said. At the same time, EximBank's financing grew by almost 30 percent, while guarantees increased by 33 percent. Of the total guarantees issued in 2010 in the name and behalf of the Romanian state, 64 percent were granted to large companies in manufacturing, mining and construction, while 20 percent were accessed by SMEs.

Alex Camburu, alex.camburu@romania-insider.com