Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is leading a systemic mission to support the productive fabric of Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia – regions severely affected by the natural disasters of last January. The visit is part of the government’s initiatives to promote internationalization and will involve the leaders of ITA, SIMEST, SACE, and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti.
During the mission, the Minister will meet with Regions’ Presidents and representatives of local business communities to illustrate the extraordinary measures taken by the government to support companies in the affected areas.
ITA has adopted a package of measures worth a total of €15 million, valid for one year, which includes free participation in promotional initiatives in Italy and abroad, reimbursement of fees already paid, and access to digital tools and e-commerce, all with simplified procedures.
SIMEST has defined emergency measures with a dedicated ceiling of €300 million, including non-repayable grants of up to 20% for strategic markets, compensation for damages and loss of income, and incentives for investment in digital and ecological transitions.
SACE has activated extraordinary insurance and financial measures valid until June 30, 2026, including moratoria, extensions, and dedicated support for companies.
Cassa Depositi e Prestiti is also involved in developing financial instruments for the reconstruction phase, based on experience gained from previous disasters.
Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria share a productive fabric characterized by a predominance of micro and small enterprises with a propensity for export, but also significant exposure to climate shocks, justifying the government’s greater focus on their internationalization. Sicily is still the second-largest region in Southern Italy in terms of exports, with trade amounting to €32.9 billion in 2024 and exports to €13.4 billion. In the first nine months of 2025, exports reached €9.5 billion, largely driven by oil refining. Sardinia recorded exports of €6.7 billion in 2024 (-0.6%), falling to €4.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 (-11.5%), affected by volatile energy prices. Despite recording lower figures, Calabria showed positive growth trends, with exports equal to €931 million in 2024 (+5.6%) and €736 million in the first nine months of 2025 (+9.2%), driven primarily by the agri-food sector.
