Why it matters: Italy is moving to shield its companies from the economic fallout of war in the Gulf, using a coordinated package of financial tools, export support and incentives to sustain international operations in volatile markets.
The big picture: In a meeting chaired by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, the government and industry representatives assessed the economic impact of the Gulf crisis and aligned on a set of measures led by Italy’s export-credit and trade agencies.
What Italy is doing: The package brings together three pillars — SACE, SIMEST and ICE — to provide immediate and targeted support to companies operating in the most exposed markets, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
Risk protection and insurance (SACE): Italy’s export credit agency is expanding existing tools to cover companies against:
- Commercial and political risks, including contract cancellation and non-payment
- Damage or loss of overseas investments and exported goods
- Risks linked to the wrongful enforcement of guarantees
Financial support and incentives (SIMEST): Through the 394/81 Fund, Italy is strengthening support for firms investing in digital and ecological transition:
- Grants of up to 20% of financing
- Loans covering up to 90% of capital strengthening needs
- No requirement for guarantees
Additional upgrades include:
- Higher financing ceiling (from €800,000 to €1 million)
- Larger upfront disbursements (from 25% to 50%)
- Extended repayment terms (from 6 to 8 years)
A new line of support is also under consideration for companies affected by rising energy costs or declining revenues and cash flow.
Export promotion and market access (ICE): Italy’s trade agency has introduced extraordinary measures worth €8.6 million, valid through September 30, 2026, targeting companies active in 17 countries across the Middle East and nearby regions.
These include:
- Free access to trade fairs, events and business missions
- Participation in digital exhibitions and international e-commerce platforms (including Fiera Smart 365)
- Free advisory services under the “Per Crescere” program, extended to larger firms
Who qualifies: The measures apply across all sectors to companies active since at least 2023 and still operating at the time of implementation.
The bottom line: Rome is betting on a rapid, coordinated response to protect competitiveness and keep Italian firms active abroad — even as geopolitical volatility raises costs and risks across key energy and trade corridors.
