SACE SIMEST (CDP Group): in the first semester of 2018 mobilized € 9.3 billion in resources (+15%) to support Italian companies

SACE (CDP Group) announces today the 2018 IH results, approved by the Board of Directors, chaired by Beniamino Quintieri.

In a context of global economic growth (+3.9%), despite uncertainties sparked by rising protectionism, the SACE SIMEST hub mobilized € 9.3 billion in resources, 15% more than in IH 2017. This amount is destined to grow based on transactions approved during the period and expected to be finalized in coming months, reaching € 18.4 billion.

"We are satisfied with the results achieved in the first half of the year, characterized by a relevant growth in the resources mobilized in support of Italian exporters and an economic-financial performance slightly above the Business Plan targets - said Alessandro Decio, CEO of SACE -. In a scenario in which emerging markets are constantly expanding their demand, we confirm our commitment to proactively support SMEs, an effort we will fully appreciate in the second half of the year. "

The increased activity to support the export and internationalization programs of Italian companies is generally in line with the ambitious Business Plan targets. It was achieved in conformity with the principles of economic-financial sustainability and maintaining financial solidity and the risk profile of the portfolio. This solidity is also reflected in the opinion of Fitch, which recently confirmed SACE's BBB+ rating with a stable outlook.

Key facts in IH 2018 include: the opening of a new office in Shanghai, working as a hub for the Chinese market; a strong impulse to the “Push Strategy Program”, with the organization of business-matching events to bring together Italian suppliers and potential foreign customers; the further digitalization of services in an effort to reach a growing number of companies.