Italy
SIMEST
SIMEST, controlled by the Ministry for Productive Activities assists Italian firms in setting up companies abroad in the form of joint ventures or totally controlled investments by offering incentives for: pre-feasibility and feasibility studies and technical assistance programs, participations in international tenders, exports, market penetration projects, and investments abroad.
SIMEST stands by Italian companies abroad, promotes and supports the activities of production companies abroad, especially those involving small and medium enterprises, whether they are commercial, artisan, tourist companies, cooperatives, consortia, or any other type.
SIMEST has links with SACE for the provision of insurance covering for the activities of Italian companies abroad, ICE for the promotion of Italian trade in foreign markets, industrial associations, and chambers of commerce in Italy and abroad, as well as Italy's diplomatic representatives around the world.
SIMEST makes flexible financial instruments available in order to provide support for the Italian industry.
For more information please visit www.simest.it.
ICE
The Italian Institute for Foreign Trade (ICE), also known as the Italian Trade Commission (I.C.E., Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero), is a government agency entrusted with promoting trade, business opportunities and industrial co-operation between Italian and foreign companies.
The Italian Institute for Foreign Trade activities are financed by public and private funds from the Ministry of Productive Activities, which establishes directives and has a supervisory role, and companies using its services for advice, information and assistance.
The Italian Institute for Foreign Trade, with its network of 104 offices in 80 countries around the world, can provide information and assistance to foreign companies wishing to develop business with an Italian counterpart. The Italian Institute for Foreign Trade assists Italian companies in activities related to international co-operation while facilitating access to international organizations financing. In addition, ICE is encouraging joint-venture opportunities and industrial and technological partnerships with foreign companies. The Italian Institute for Foreign Trade also promotes industrial co-operation through workshops and bilateral meetings, financial and operative advice and specialized seminars for companies operating in the services sector.
For more information please visit www.ice.it.
FINEST
FINEST is a finance company for entrepreneurs in the North East of Italy. Its shareholders include the Regional Governments of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige, Simest and major Italian banks, its activities are overseen by the Italian Ministry of Trade and Industry.
FINEST acquires shares in companies which develop their own business in countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Balkans, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), North Asia, Caucasian and Baltic countries.
FINEST provides investment support to entrepreneurs whose aim is to expand their business abroad and can provide access for its co-investor to the Italian Government's incentive program for the support and promotion of foreign business.
Benefit results from an interest subsidy on loans contracted by the Italian company.
For more information please visit www.finest.it.
