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Companies in Fincantieri's supply chain will be able to access SIMEST's internationalisation tools to invest in training, technological and digital innovation and sustainability, thus strengthening their competitiveness also in foreign markets.

Milan/Trieste, 27 November 2024 – SIMEST, CDP Group's company for the internationalisation of companies, and Fincantieri, a world leader in high complexity shipbuilding, today signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at promoting new investments, greater competitiveness, including internationally, and market growth for companies in the shipbuilding supply chain. The agreement was signed by Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri and Regina Corradini D’Arienzo, Chief Executive Officer of SIMEST.

The aim of the agreement is to increase the innovative capacity and skills of Fincantieri's suppliers, enabling new investments for growth both in Italy and abroad, supporting the solidity and traceability of the supply chain and strengthening its profile in international markets.

The agreement will enable SIMEST to identify the needs of suppliers in line with Fincantieri's industrial objectives, enabling access to subsidised financing for investments in innovation, sustainability and capital strengthening. These investments may also support the training of qualified personnel, the involvement of temporary managers to drive digital and ecological transitions, process innovation and safety improvements. In addition, the agreement aims to support growth in international markets through the establishment of facilities, the acquisition of certifications and patents, and specialised consultancy for internationalisation projects, all in line with Fincantieri's growth strategy and efforts to diversify and increase market share.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, commented: "It is a pleasure for us to sign this agreement with Simest, in Milan, during our second suppliers' Summit. Fincantieri wanted to introduce a new and practical way of working with all partners, focused on innovation and competitiveness, also in view of the strong growth we are experiencing.  SIMEST's innovative tools, available to the entire supply chain, are a major boost for our supplier system in terms of internationalisation and sustainable innovation".

CEO of SIMEST (CDP Group), Regina Corradini D'Arienzo, stated: “Supporting companies in the supply chain is one of the main objectives behind SIMEST's efforts. For this reason, the first “Filiere d’impatto” supply chain agreement signed today is of particular importance to us. This agreement is a concrete initiative that brings together Fincantieri, as the lead company, and its suppliers to assess the most appropriate industrial investments needed for sustainable competitiveness. SIMEST positions itself as a partner that not only finances these investments, but also helps companies in the supply chain - especially SMEs - to identify and select the most suitable international markets for their growth. This approach facilitates the process of choosing the internationalisation tools we provide to thousands of small and micro enterprises, including non-exporting companies within Fincantieri's supply chain. With this support provided to the supply chain, many of these businesses, particularly those located in southern Italy, will be able to make effective use of initiatives such as the “Africa Measure”, implemented in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, and part of the Mattei Plan. Initiatives that will enable sustainable and innovative investment, as well as the training of qualified workers from the African continent, helping businesses to grow while supporting a region with significant growth potential such as Africa.”