Together with SACE, SIMEST represents the Export and Internationalization Hub of the CDP Group, which brings together all the instruments to support Italian companies that wish to compete and grow internationally.
SIMEST, in particular, supports companies through their whole expansion cycle abroad, from the initial assessment of opening up to a new market, to expansion through direct investments. It operates through loans aimed at internationalization, export credit support and capital investments.
From September 17th, after the green light of European Commission, part of the loans operated by SIMEST will be non-repayable, up to a maximum of 50%.
The loans will benefit from a soft rate equal to 10% of the EU reference rate (0.083% for September 2020, with a limit of zero), with 1 or 2 years of pre-amortization.
In addition, until December 31st, 2020 SIMEST loans can be accessed without the need to present guarantees. The novelty - introduced by Italian Decree-Law of May 19th, 2020 no. 34 - represents an important derogation from the current legislation governing the 394 Fund3 managed by SIMEST on behalf of Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
All SIMEST solutions are also available for Italian foreign subsidiaries that wish to strengthen and grow their presence on foreign markets and finance foreign direct investments, R&D, Capex, but also working capital needed to complete supply orders or to carry out works abroad.
Among all the products offered, it should be mentioned The Push Strategy: a programme for medium-large foreign companies through which SACE - in partnership with SIMEST - facilitates the access of Italian businesses, especially SMEs, to the opportunities offered by the investment schemes of major foreign counterparties.
Thanks to this programme, it is possible to obtain untied medium/long-term loans at competitive terms to increase the procurement of goods and services from Italy, meeting selected Italian companies in the supply chain for specific businesses.
EXP Legal is always available to assist companies in starting or strengthening their internationalization process and in the selection of the most suitable SIMEST product for their business development needs.
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1Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A. (CDP) is a prominent Italian investment bank founded in 1850 in Turin. CDP is the major Italian promotional institution for economic development through long-term investments at local, regional and national level and acts as the government's arm for executing public policy mandates.
2SACE is the Italian export credit agency. 100% controlled by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, offers a complex range of instruments for credit insurance, investment protection, the provision of sureties and financial guarantees.
3The Fund, financed by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for companies’ business internationalization.
