ASSESSMENT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE PRACTICES IN COMMERCIAL BANK OF ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study is conducted to assess the existing trade Service practices of CBE from the international and domestic standards perspective, examine the major challenges & risks associated with international trade financing, and explore the acquaintance of staffs on international trade governing rules and guidelines. It is supposed to give insight for policy makers and customers about international trade services and procedures. This descriptive study employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches to get relevant data from the target populations and achieve the objectives of the study. Primary data was collected from 62 purposely selected respondents through a structured questionnaire and extensive interviews with experts and corporate customers. The collected data was empirically analyzed in light of different literatures and descriptive statistics using SPSS methods. The findings be evidence for the provision of fine international trade services in CBE that most of the performers are abide by ICC rules, NBE directives and circulars as well as CBE Trade Service policy. The study revealed the bank may suffer for-ex liquidity constraint or volatility quandary in an international trade; Customers’ distinct payment preference and other countries policy and regulation, shortfall of domestic directives in light of international trade rules and practices, customers’ lack of ample understanding on international trade, shortage of foreign currency; outdated NBE directives. In order to minimize the risks on international trade services, the bank should make successive assessment on foreign banks’ risks & counterparty risks, check the changes in exchange rate before financing, have fear on regulatory framework to comply with an international trade laws; to include things like compliance, external auditing and anti-money laundering laws. Finally, the study recommended the bank shall make the procedure very clear, simple and participatory for most of the customers; facilitate LC, export permit and other international trade services as much and frequently as customers request timely; strengthen internal capacity of the bank; improve risk management and other security systems to minimize risks of line constraints with correspondent banks & compliance to terms of trade in an international trade