Starting next year, the platform, dedicated in particular to SMEs, will initially target the main Asian markets and then be extended to other countries, based on the priorities set by the Steering Committee for Internationalisation coordinated by the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry for Economic Development
Rome, 3 November 2021 – From today, Italian businesses, especially SMEs, will have a new tool at their disposal to create business opportunities and get in touch with their counterparts in the main Asian markets, starting with China, India and Japan. Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group (CDP) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation are launching Business Matching, the new digital platform which, thanks to a “matchmaking” algorithm, is able to match Italian and foreign businesses based on their characteristics and needs.
Starting next year, the platform will expand its operations to Southeast Asia and gradually to other countries, based on the priorities set by the Steering Committee for Internationalisation coordinated by the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry for Economic Development.
Once fully operational the platform, created by CDP in eight languages and aligned with the highest IT security standards, will enable businesses to get in touch with foreign businesses proposed by an algorithm as potential partners. The aim is to support exports and internationalisation but also to overcome the physical barriers and restrictions imposed by the pandemic, especially in more distant and complex markets. At the same time, foreign companies will access the platform to identify possible business opportunities in Italy.
Business Matching will enhance the range of tools and services provided by CDP, SACE, SIMEST and ICE Agency, to encourage agreements between Italian and foreign businesses. To support the process, SIMEST will focus in particular on Italian-based SMEs in promoting the digital platform.
HOW IT WORKS
The Business Matching platform can be accessed both from the CDP and SIMEST websites and through the Foreign Ministry’s export and internationalisation portal Export.Gov.it.
After signing up free of charge, the business will be invited to specify its needs and the profile of the foreign businesses it wishes to meet. Periodically, as soon as the portal is fully operational, the company will be notified of any possible matches with counterparts and the relative percentage of affinity based on its own profile.
It will also be possible to view information on the foreign company and choose whether or not to accept the contact proposed by the algorithm. In the event of a positive outcome, it will be possible to arrange a virtual meeting in a dedicated space (virtual room) within the platform with the availability of an interpreter.
Business Matching offers registered companies the opportunity to take part in events and webinars to explore topics of interest on countries and markets and provides – thanks to the work of an editorial team – news, success stories and interviews with experts in the main target sectors.
The first weeks following the launch will be dedicated to building up the database, receiving registrations and incorporating business objectives. Subsequently, the tool will be fully operational and able to propose matches with foreign companies on a constant basis, throughout the year.
