Global Trade Alert

On 25 January 2010, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) signed a USD 245 million overseas loan agreement with Minera Los Pelambres. The company is owned by UK based Antofagasta PLC (40%) and the Japanese consortium consisting of Nippon Investment LP (25%) and Marubeni LP Holding BV & Mitsubishi (15%).
 
The loan is intended to finance the Los Pelambres Copper Mine Expansion Project. The project will be undertaken by Minera Los Pelambres alongside the Japanese companies Nippon Mining & Metals Co., Ltd.; Mitsubishi Materials Corporation; Marubeni Corporation; Mitsubishi Corporation; and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
 
Overseas investment loans
JBIC provides direct loans named overseas investment loans to Japanese companies, overseas affiliates or joint ventures where Japanese companies hold equity interests and governments or financial institutions partying with such overseas affiliates. Loans support projects in specific sectors or with a specific purpose of interest to Japan. Further information can be found on the Bank's website under overseas investment loans.
 
The GTA includes state guarantees and other financial incentives that are likely to affect the restructuring and performance of firms facing international competition, whether from imports, in export markets, and from foreign subsidiaries.