28 Nov 2024

SIMEST, CDP Group's company for the internationalisation of companies, and Fincantieri, a world pioneer in high-complexity shipbuilding signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at promoting new investments, and 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.

Capacity and skills

The agreement aims 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.

Growth strategy and diversification

These investments may support the training of qualified personnel and the involvement of temporary managers

These investments may also support the training of qualified personnel, and 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.

Internationalisation and sustainable innovation

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."

He adds, "Fincantieri wanted to introduce a new and practical way of working with all partners, focused on innovation and competitiveness, also given 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."

Filiere d’impatto supply chain agreement

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 is particularly important to us."

She adds, "This agreement is a concrete initiative that brings together Fincantieri, the lead company, and its suppliers to assess the most appropriate industrial investments needed for sustainable competitiveness."

Identify and select markets

Regina Corradini D'Arienzo continues, "SIMEST positions itself as a partner that finances these investments and 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."

Effective use of initiatives

Regina Corradini D'Arienzo adds, "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."

She concludes, "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."