Foreign Investment Insurance

 

To insure investments of eligible U.S. investors in developing countries and emerging markets, against the political risks of inconvertibility, expropriation, and political violence. Special programs include insuring (l)contractors and exporters against arbitrary drawings of letters of credit posted as bid, performance or advance payment guaranties, (2)petroleum exploration, development and production (3)leasing operations, and (4) debt financials, including securities.

General information about this opportunity
Last Known Status
Deleted 03/27/2024 (Archived.)
Program Number
70.003
Federal Agency/Office
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Type(s) of Assistance Offered
G - Insurance
Program Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2007 Since 1971, OPIC, a self-sustaining agency, has supported more than $164 billion in U.S. investment overseas that will generate $69 billion in U.S. exports and support more than 264,000 American jobs. Additionally, OPIC has benefited the more than 150 countries in which it has operated or is currently operating, supporting sustainable development and international trade while solidifying free markets.
Authorization
Foreign Assistance Act of 1969, Title IV, Section 234(a), Public Law 91-175, 22 U.S.C. 2191, et seq.
Who is eligible to apply/benefit from this assistance?
Applicant Eligibility
Citizen of the United States; a corporation, partnership, or other association created under the laws of the United States or any State or territory, of which more than 50 percent is beneficially owned by U.S. citizens; a foreign corporation at least 95 percent owned by such entities; or any other 100 percent U.S.-owned foreign entity.
Beneficiary Eligibility
OPIC does not support projects that will result in the loss of U.S. jobs, that have a negative impact on the host country's economy or environment, or contribute to violations of internationally recognized worker rights. OPIC only supports projects that contribute to the economic and social development of the host country.
Credentials/Documentation
A bilateral agreement between the United States and the host country government must be in place before OPIC can provide insurance for a given country. Additionally, special project approval by the foreign government is required in some countries before insurance can be provided.
What is the process for applying and being award this assistance?
Pre-Application Procedure
Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. An environmental impact assessment is not required for this listing. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. The insurance program has a two-step application process. Investors must first register their projects with OPIC before making an irrevocable commitment to invest. Once the details of the investment have been established, an application for insurance coverage is filed. OPIC charges a retainer fee after the submission of an application for insurance in order to proceed with review of the project. Registration and application forms are available on request from the Insurance Applications Officer, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, 1100 New York Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20527, or on OPIC's website: www.opic.gov.
Award Procedure
Insurance is issued directly to the applicant by OPIC, or through a broker if the investor so chooses.
Deadlines
Registration must be made prior to making an irrevocable commitment to invest. The registration remains active at OPIC for 2 years.
Approval/Disapproval Decision Time
Not applicable.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Not applicable.
How are proposals selected?
Not applicable.
How may assistance be used?
To encourage private U.S. investment in developing countries and emerging economies by protecting against certain political risks. Investments may be eligible for insurance if they benefit the social and economic development of the host country. OPIC will not support projects that could result in the loss of U.S. jobs, adversely affect the U.S. economy, have a negative impact on the host country's development or environment, or contribute to violations of internationally recognized worker rights.
What are the requirements after being awarded this opportunity?
Reporting
Not applicable.
Auditing
Not applicable.
Records
When claim for compensation is pending and after such payment is made, the investor has a duty to cooperate with OPIC in supplying all information requested pertaining to the claim. These responsibilities are clearly spelled out in each insurance contract.
Other Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Maximum insurance term is 20 years for equity investment; for loans, the term of the loan; for contracts, the term of the contract. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: .
Who do I contact about this opportunity?
Regional or Local Office
None/Not specified.
Headquarters Office
Information Officer Overseas Private Investment Corporation 1100 New York Ave., NW. Washington, DC 20527. Telephone: (202) 336-8799. For program information by electronic mail: info@opic.gov .
Website Address
http://www.opic.gov .
Financial Information
Account Identification
71-4184-0-3-151
Obligations
(Not Applicable) FY 07$1,200,000,000.00; FY 08 Estimate Not Available FY 09 Estimate Not Available - (Insurance Issued) (Aggregate Maximum Insured Amount) FY 07 $1,200,000,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable/available.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
"OPIC Program Handbook," free.
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.

 


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