The Central Bank of Barbados established the Export Finance Guarantee Scheme in 1978 to enable exporters to obtain liberal finance facilities from their bankers for the production of goods for export. The Scheme offers both pre-shipment and post-shipment coverage. Pre-shipment coverage is provided in respect of any credits granted by a commercial bank to an exporter for the purpose of manufacturing, processing and/or packaging of goods for export against a firm contract or agreement of sale with a foreign buyer. Post-shipment coverage is provided in respect of any credits granted by a commercial bank to an exporter through the purchase, negotiation or discount of export bills relating to the shipment of goods out of Barbados under contract or agreement of sale with a foreign buyer.