SACE and the State of Western Australia sign an agreement to strengthen industrial cooperation and critical minerals supply chains

SACE, the Italian Export Credit Agency owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the State of Western Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen economic and industrial cooperation, with a particular focus on critical minerals and strategic supply chains. The agreement was signed by Guglielmo Picchi, Chairman of SACE, and Rebecca Brown PSM, Director General, representing the State of Western Australia.

The MoU aims to foster new trade and investment opportunities for Italian and Western Australian businesses, supporting cooperation across the critical minerals value chain, from exploration and mining to processing, refining, manufacturing and recycling. The partnership seeks to strengthen the resilience and diversification of strategic supply chains while promoting industrial development, technology collaboration and opportunities for businesses in both markets.

Under the agreement, the parties will explore opportunities to support major projects in Western Australia, particularly in critical minerals, energy transition industries and advanced manufacturing. The cooperation will seek to expand local processing, refining and manufacturing capabilities, while facilitating the participation of Italian companies through the supply of goods, technologies and services. The MoU will also encourage investment flows in both directions, supporting Italian investment in Western Australia and exploring opportunities for Western Australian companies to invest in Italy.

Roger Cook, Western Australia Premier, stated “Western Australia is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the global energy transition, and international partnerships such as this with SACE are critical to supporting that ambition. This Memorandum of Understanding reflects WA's government commitment to building strong international partnerships that support the growth of critical minerals and energy transition industries".

“This agreement marks an important step in strengthening industrial cooperation between Italy and Western Australia, particularly in the critical minerals sector,” said Guglielmo Picchi, Chairman of SACE. “By bringing together Western Australia’s resources and industrial potential with Italy’s technologies and manufacturing expertise, we aim to foster new investment opportunities, strengthen strategic supply chains and support long-term partnerships between businesses in both markets.”

Cooperation will include the exchange of market information, business networking opportunities, joint industry events and site visits, as well as the identification of suitable financial solutions, including potential insurance and guarantee support for eligible projects.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of SACE and the State of Western Australia to strengthening economic ties, fostering long-term industrial partnerships and creating new opportunities for businesses and communities in both markets.