During the meeting chaired by Ministers Tajani and Pichetto Fratin with Italian partners and leading business associations to take stock of the economic consequences of the Gulf crisis, several measures were defined to support Italian companies operating in the international markets most affected by recent geopolitical tensions, with a comprehensive package of initiatives promoted by SACE, SIMEST, and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA).
SACE is preparing initiatives to strengthen and expand its support for companies operating in the countries most exposed to the effects of conflict—including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar—through tools already available as part of its ordinary operations.
Specifically, the following tools are available:
* insurance coverage on supply contracts against commercial and political risks, including interruption or cancellation of orders and non-payment;
* protection of investment abroad and temporarily exported assets against the risk of destruction, confiscation, expropriation, and restrictions on capital repatriation;
* protection against the undue enforcement of surety bonds.
Regarding SIMEST, measures dedicated to the “Digital or Ecological Transition” will be strengthened through Fund 394/81.
For energy-intensive companies or those engaged in certified energy efficiency programs, the following tools are envisaged:
* a non-repayable grant of up to 20% of the financing;
* financing of up to 90% for capital and financial strengthening;
* exemption from providing guarantees;
In addition to these tools, further incentives are planned:
* increase in the maximum financing amount from €800,000 to €1,000,000;
* increase in the down payment from 25% to 50%;
* extension of the financing term from 6 to 8 years.
A new line of intervention is also being studied for companies affected by rising energy costs or a reduction in turnover and cash flow.
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) has introduced extraordinary measures targeted to Italian companies operating in the markets of 17 countries, including the Middle East and surrounding areas, with a total allocation of €8.6 million and validity until September 30, 2026.
The initiatives are intended for companies in all sectors, operational since at least 2023 and active at the time the measures are adopted.
The measures include:
* free access to events and trade fairs, covering the first exhibition module and participation in seminars, workshops, and missions;
* free participation in digital trade fairs and use of international partner e-commerce platforms (including Fiera Smart 365);
* free ITA “Per Crescere” services for basic assistance, also extended to companies with more than 100 employees.
The coordinated package of measures is a concrete and timely response from the Italian System to support the competitiveness of national companies, strengthen their resilience, and assist them in internationalization processes in complex and highly volatile environments.
