A wider range of instruments are now available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that wish to gain access to international markets. In fact, with the “Participation in Fairs and Exhibitions” instrument, developed by the venture capital firm SIMEST, loans are now available to businesses to participate in “Country Missions”. These initiatives – promoted by the Ministry for Economic Development, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and organized by the trade agency ICE, the industrial employers’ federation Confindustria and other institutions and business associations – offer Italian businesses important meeting opportunities. In turn, they can have their Made-in-Italy products appreciated all over the world.\u00a0
This new instrument, which has been developed by SIMEST, finances expenses incurred up to a maximum amount of 100,000 euros. The duration of the loan is 3.5 years. The very favorable interest rate is 10% of the EU reference rate (at the present time it corresponds to 0.092% per year). Applications for the loan can be made by directly accessing the funding Portal of SIMEST.<\/p>\n