The Facilitation Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, today approved the establishment of a EUR 200 million section of the 394/81 Fund dedicated to companies intending to invest in artificial intelligence. This measure forms part of a wider support framework for investment in the sector, with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness and innovative capacity of the national economy, in line with the Export Plan launched by Minister Tajani.
As part of the measures coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support businesses affected by the Hormuz crisis – which were first announced on 25 May – the first initiative has been approved to assist a company affected by the economic consequences of the conflict in the Gulf. In addition, more than EUR 900,000 in non-repayable grants were awarded to two Sicilian businesses as compensation for the damages suffered following the exceptional weather events in southern Italy last January.
In terms of subsidised finance, the Committee approved operations supporting the internationalisation of Italian companies, totalling EUR 198 million. The financing, managed by SIMEST, is intended for 369 companies and will support projects related to ecological and digital transition, participation in international fairs and events, entry into new markets, the hiring of temporary export managers and the opening of new e-commerce platforms.
Three equity investment operations totalling EUR 10 million were also approved, aimed at acquiring capital shares of foreign companies controlled by Italian firms in the United States and the Netherlands, with a view to consolidating Italian businesses operating in sectors of strategic importance to the national economy, such as industrial automation, the mechanical engineering sector and logistics within the services sector. Support for internationalisation through geographic instruments also continues, and in particular the ‘USA scheme’, which is proving increasingly popular, with EUR 33.6 million approved for 60 initiatives. Further measures have been approved for Africa, Latin America and India. Finally, support for exports through supplier credit operations was also significant, with 11 resolutions approved for new transactions with a total value of EUR 44 million of the maximum amount eligible for subsidy.
Export Plan. New investments in Artificial Intelligence and initial measures to support businesses affected by the Hormuz crisis and the bad weather in southern Italy
