LONDON, July 31 (Reuters) - A British government agency

is providing a 1 billion pound export development guarantee to

the UK arm of U.S. carmaker Ford, supporting the company's

long-term growth targets around the world.

"This £1 billion loan guarantee is a major boost for

Britain's auto sector. It will help develop world-leading

products, open new export markets, and secure jobs," finance

minister Rachel Reeves said in the statement released by UK

Export Finance (UKEF).