THAILAND

U.S. Helps With Trade: The U.S. Export-Import Bank has approved $127 million in concessional financing to help support exports of U.S. goods to Thailand. The move is part of an effort by U.S. officials to press for greater discipline in limiting the use of tied aid for commercial advantage, the Ex-Imbank said in a statement. The bank will extend $43.8 million from its “tied aid credit fund” and will guarantee an $83.2-million commercial bank loan for 10 years. Krung Thai Bank, a government-owned commercial bank, and the Industrial Finance Corp. of Thailand will act as the borrowers for private sector transactions. Two Thai government agencies, the electricity generating authority and the Petroleum Authority, will borrow in the public sector on their behalf, the Ex-Imbank said.