The steps include investment guarantees, avoidance of double taxation and dispute arbitration, he said.

In 2001 MIGA's issuance of new investment guarantees grew to $2 billion.

MIGA limits the request amount for the investment guarantee to $10 million, and will guarantee only up to 10 years with a possible 5-year extension.

The aid package includes loans, investment guarantees, debt rescheduling and debt reduction.

Other important agreements address civil uses of atomic energy, sales of agricultural commodities, investment guarantees, and military and economic assistance.

The theory was that this is a steadier way to meet the investment guarantee because the mortgage income fluctuates with market conditions, stabilizing share prices.

The talks collapsed over issues like mining rights, marketing contracts and investment guarantees, De Beers said.

One new product puts the stress on less volatile share prices while others, like the Gabelli fund, provide some sort of investment guarantee.

It called for renewed access to U.S. trade credits and for investment guarantees - together worth about $500 million - as well as loans of $500 million more.

A trade agreement (also known as trade pact) is a wide ranging tax, tariff and trade treaty that often includes investment guarantees.