The fourth edition of the is in progress Smart International Tour, a project launched in 2020 by Intesa Sanpaolo and dedicated to the internationalization of Italian companies. This year, the tour takes place in collaboration with Simest, a company of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group which supports Italian companies abroad at every stage of the internationalization process. The focus of the webinars offered to interested SMEs is on Croatia, Serbia e Hungary, China-Hong Kong.
Importance of internationalization for Italian SMEs
With over 1.500 SMEs participating in previous editions, the Smart International Tour is aimed at Italian companies that see international expansion as a determining factor for the growth and competitiveness of their business, especially in light of the opportunities offered by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Pnrr).
In the context of the Italian economy, exports represent a significant share of manufacturing production, with a propensity of 50% of the total value. This international vocation is mainly carried out by Small and Medium Enterprises (Pmi), which make up 52% of Italian exports. This is in stark contrast to other European countries such as France and Germany where large companies account for 85% of exports.
Importance of internationalization for Italian SMEs
The first cycle of webinars of 2023 is aimed at Italian corporate customers of Intesa Sanpaolo's Banca dei Territori, led by Stefano Barrese, in collaboration with the international network of the IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, led by Mauro Micillo, and with the International Division Subsidiary Banks (Isbd), led by Marco Elio Rottigni. The goal is enhance cross-border business opportunities for medium-sized companies operating in the countries served by the Group's international network.
This synergy between the divisions of Intesa Sanpaolo offers Italian SMEs additional lines of financing and a range of products and services dedicated to internationalisation. In this way, the bank provides strategic and commercial support through Intesa Sanpaolo's vast foreign network present in around 40 countries, made up of branches, representative offices and banks.
Smart International Tour: what will we talk about?
During the webinar cycle, the economic trends of each market will be addressed, in order to outline the growth prospects for exports and investments in the countries involved. Information will also be provided on the facilitations in terms of internationalization and on the opportunities offered by the Pnrr. In particular, economic growth forecasts will be illustrated of these countries, the ability to attract foreign investments, the benefits of reshoring and nearshoring, the allocations of European funds, government privatization programs, the modernization of infrastructure and transport networks, the development of the industrial fabric and the availability of resources.
During the meetings, the opportunities offered by Simest for the internationalization of companies will also be explored, with a focus on equity loan instruments. Simest acquires minority shareholdings in the capital of the foreign branches of Italian companies in order to promote the international development of Made in Italy in the world.
