Overseas Private Investment Corporation

Difference

Making a

An agency of the United States Government

www.opic.gov

1100 New York Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20527

202-336-8799
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) 

is the primary U.S. government agency focused on 

supporting private sector investment in the developing 

world. OPIC helps U.S. businesses meet the challenges 

of investing overseas, fosters economic development in 

new and emerging markets, complements the private 

sector in managing risks associated with foreign direct 

investment, and supports U.S. foreign policy. Because 

OPIC charges market-based fees for its products, it operates 

on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to taxpayers.

Why Is OPIC Important?

OPIC mobilizes America’s private sector to advance U.S. 

foreign policy and development initiatives. Projects 

supported by OPIC expand economic development, which 

encourages political stability and free market reforms. 

OPIC-supported projects also help support American 

jobs and generate exports. At the same time, OPIC 

promotes U.S. best practices by requiring projects to 

adhere to international standards on the environment, 

worker rights, and human rights.

What Is OPIC Finance?

OPIC provides financing through direct loans and 

loan guaranties for medium and long-term private 

investment. Loans range from $100,000 to $250 million 

for projects sponsored by U.S. companies, and financing 

can be provided on a project finance or corporate 

finance basis. In most cases, the U.S. sponsor is expected 

to contribute at least 25 percent of the project equity, 

have a track record in the industry, and have the means 

to contribute to the financial success of the project.

What Is OPIC Political Risk Insurance?

OPIC insures U.S. investors, contractors, exporters, and 

financial institutions against political violence, such 

as terrorism and war; nationalization or expropriation 

by a foreign government; or the inability to convert 

local currency and repatriate profits. OPIC can insure 

OPIC?

up to $250 million per project and has no minimum 

investment size requirement. Insurance is available for 

investments in new ventures, expansions of existing 

enterprises, privatizations, and acquisitions with 

positive developmental benefits.

What Are OPIC-Supported Investment 

Funds?

To address the lack of sufficient equity investment 

in emerging markets, OPIC has supported the 

creation of regional or sectoral funds that make 

direct investments in new, expanding, or privatizing 

companies. These investment funds, which are 

privately-owned and managed, provide long-term 

growth capital, serve as a catalyst for private sector 

economic activity, and encourage the creation of new 

markets and opportunities for American companies.

How Does OPIC Help Small Businesses?

OPIC recognizes that small businesses looking to invest 

overseas have unique requirements. To help meet these 

needs, OPIC can provide eligible businesses special 

financing and political risk insurance products which 

feature enhanced customer service, flexible coverage, 

and easier access to OPIC services through a streamlined 

approval process.

How Can I Contact OPIC?

Visit our web site: www.opic.gov

Email messages may be sent to: info@opic.gov

Call the OPIC InfoLine: 202-336-8799

Written Inquiries

Written requests for general information should be sent to:

Overseas Private Investment Corporation

Information Officer, Office of External Affairs

1100 New York Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20527

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