The “Action Plan for Italian Exports to High-Potential Non-EU Markets” is the policy document outlining the strategy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) to support exports and the internationalisation of businesses, focusing on diversifying export markets and promoting Italy abroad. Against the current backdrop of fragmented value chains and changing trade and logistics routes, the Export Plan also serves as a strategic tool to strengthen security of supply, an increasingly pressing need for an economy such as Italy’s, which relies on processing imported raw materials into finished products.
The strategy reflects strong, structured cooperation with Italy’s national business support agencies — the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), CDP, SIMEST and SACE — and the chamber of commerce network. It draws on practical, operational tools designed to seize emerging opportunities in Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Balkans and the Arabian Peninsula, and to strengthen Italy’s presence in mature markets with strong demand for Made in Italy products.
The Plan is a dynamic, flexible instrument, continually updated and implemented in close coordination with the diplomatic and consular network. Through its extensive network of Embassies, Consulates, Permanent Missions and Italian Cultural Institutes, working alongside ITA offices abroad, this network provides a platform to support businesses facing the challenges of international markets.
To achieve its objectives, the Export Action Plan provides for a range of actions and measures, including:
- business missions led by political representatives or technical experts;
- roundtables and economic partnership initiatives;
- expanded participation in trade fairs and agreements with international retail chains and digital platforms;
- financial support for exports through dedicated SIMEST measures;
- SACE’s geographically targeted Push Strategies and insurance services;
- the opening of new branches and offices of Italy’s national business support agencies in strategic markets.
PIANO-EXPORT.GOV.IT
Piano-Export.gov.it is the official public portal for the Export Action Plan: a single platform ensuring guidance, explaining country strategies and providing easy access to services offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Italian Trade Agency, CDP, SIMEST, SACE, the Chambers of Commerce and Italy’s regional authorities.
DIPLOMACY FOR GROWTH GUIDES: OPPORTUNITIES IN FOREIGN MARKETS
The portal includes a section dedicated to the “Diplomacy for Growth” guides produced by Italian Embassies abroad. As part of the diplomacy for growth initiatives promoted by Italy’s diplomatic network, the guides are a clear, practical and comprehensive starting point, providing businesses with the essential operational guidance they need to take their first steps in their target markets.
EXPORT ACTION PLAN WEB APP
The Export Action Plan is now just a click away, thanks to a new web app that brings together information and services from across Italy’s national business support network in a single, streamlined tool.
The web app provides access to information on foreign markets and the support instruments offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ITA, SACE, SIMEST and CDP. Users can also save relevant information and create a personalised pathway tailored to their company’s needs.
The Export Action Plan aims to strengthen the presence of Italian businesses in international markets by supporting geographical diversification and expansion into markets with the greatest potential. The strategy coordinates the efforts of the diplomatic and consular network and other Italian institutional and business stakeholders through business missions, business forums, B2B meetings, promotional activities, advisory support, and financial and insurance instruments for internationalisation. Particular attention is given to SMEs, strategic and technologically advanced sectors, and markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Balkans, with a view to expanding opportunities for Made in Italy products.
All this information and these opportunities are now also available directly on your smartphone. The Export Plan web app is quick to access and requires no download from an app store. A single click is all it takes to add it to the home screen of your tablet or smartphone: piano-export.gov.it/webapp.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Directorate-General for Growth and Export Promotion
Export Unit