The Latin American financial institution issues Samurai bonds for 14.40 billion yen

(Caracas, October 22, 2010). -- Continuing an active presence on the Japanese market, CAF – Latin America development bank – today announced the second bond issue in that country this year. The successful placement on the Samurai market for 14.40 billion yen (equivalent to approximately US$177 million) was in two tranches maturing in 2014 and 2015.

The issue attracted the attention of both new and traditional institutional investors for CAF. The agents responsible for the issues were Nomura Securities and Mizuho Securities.

CAF President & CEO Enrique García said the placements were a reflection of the active presence of the development bank in one of the most demanding international markets. "This issue, together with the one in May this year on the exclusive retail market in Japan – better known as Uridashi – for US$74 million, is evidence of the importance of this market for the institution."

García added that the institution’s permanent presence on various capital markets has resulted in the issue of over US$2.5 billion in the last two years. "Our presence on international markets has intensified in recent years, between 1993 and 2010, with a total of around US$12.00 billion."

These issues are evidence of the role CAF plays in attracting funds into Latin America from industrialized countries with the aim of promoting investment and trade opportunities in the region. "This successful presence on the markets is only possible because of the high credit ratings that CAF enjoys."

The institution’s ratings are among the highest of debt issuers in the region, recognition of its excellent financial indicators, solid legal structure and the permanent commitment of its shareholder countries.