Export-Import Bank of Korea Now Able to Actively Pursue Overseas Investments

by Lee Changhwan

Published 03 Dec.2025 07:22(KST)

Updated 03 Dec.2025 08:34(KST)

Export-Import Bank of Korea Act Amendment Passes National Assembly Plenary Session on December 2

Export-Import Bank of Korea Now Able to Actively Pursue Overseas Investments

The amendment to the Export-Import Bank of Korea Act, which centers on allowing the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) to make more active overseas investments and contribute to the supply chain stabilization fund, passed the National Assembly plenary session on December 2.

Until now, under the existing law, KEXIM was only permitted to invest in projects linked to loans or guarantees, making direct investment in the early stages of a project virtually impossible. There have been concerns that when KEXIM attempted direct investment after providing loans, the investor group had already been formed, making it difficult for KEXIM to participate.

However, with this amendment, direct investment is now possible, enabling KEXIM to be involved from the initial stages of investor recruitment and formation when pursuing investment and development projects.

Additionally, KEXIM had only been able to invest in collective investment vehicles such as private equity funds (PEFs) under the Capital Markets Act. Due to the nature of PEFs, which typically target companies that have already achieved a certain level of growth, there were difficulties in investing in early-stage companies such as venture businesses that require policy support. However, with this amendment, KEXIM can now make indirect investments in venture investment associations and new technology business investment associations.

This amendment also provides KEXIM with the legal basis to contribute to the supply chain stabilization fund. Launched in September last year, the fund is a pan-government framework established to support advanced strategic industries in response to global supply chain crises.

Until now, KEXIM had been responsible for managing, operating, and providing funding for the fund. With the amendment, KEXIM is now able to contribute capital for the operation of the fund as well. The bank also plans to promote both direct and indirect investment, including in high-risk core minerals and logistics infrastructure, as well as the creation of supply chain blind funds.