Foreign trade, Di Maio: “There are encouraging signs that the Pact for Export is working”

“Today, other very encouraging signsemerged from ISTAT, the Central Statistics Office, regarding foreign trade and confirming the competitive strength and commitment of Italian businesses which, despite the pandemic that has hit Italy’s economic fabric as well, nevertheless managed to achieve a 2.1% growth in exports in September 2020, on a year-over-year basis. In particular, Italy’s exports rose by2.8% towards non-EU markets, compared to September 2019, and, despite the contraction in continental demand, by 1.4% towards European markets. This growth is driven by the extraordinary skills of our businesses, as well as the fruitful dialogue between all industry sectors and the Government, sealed by the signing of the Pact for Export, promoted and coordinated by the Foreign Ministry, and its related measures. The growth of exports in the third quarter of 2020, up by an amazing 30.4% compared to the second quarter of the year, is there to prove it. These figures show that the internationalisation policies implemented in relation to the reform processweforcefully spearheaded, by delegating foreign trade matters to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are moving in the right direction. The Pole for Exports – featuring the concerted efforts of the diplomatic and consular network, ICE, SACE and SIMEST, under our coordination – will continue to be strengthened over the coming months, with a commitment to increase the financial measures in support of enterprises and the integrated promotion of the Country already in the next budget law”- Foreign Minister Di Maio said.