Eximbanka and the Italian export credit agency SACE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at establishing a framework for more systematic cooperation in supporting exports, investments, and joint projects between Slovak and Italian companies. The document was ceremonially signed today in Rome by Eximbanka CEO Rastislav Podhorec and Deputy CEO Igor Barát, and by SACE CEO Michele Pignotti.
The memorandum is intended to help identify specific business opportunities, connect companies from both countries, and coordinate financial, guarantee, and insurance instruments for projects of mutual interest. The cooperation will cover mutual trade and investment between Slovakia and Italy, as well as the participation of Slovak and Italian companies in projects in third countries.
The focus will be primarily on interconnected supply chains in which companies from both countries can participate as exporters, suppliers, subcontractors, technology partners, or implementers. There is significant potential for cooperation, particularly in the automotive industry and mobility, mechanical engineering and industrial equipment manufacturing, the electrical and electronics industries, metalworking, modern manufacturing technologies, and related services. Priority areas also include energy projects, including nuclear energy, as well as projects in the defense industry, where the technological, manufacturing, and supply capabilities of Slovak and Italian companies can be effectively combined.
“Italy is one of Slovakia’s major trading partners, and companies from both countries are already linked by strong industrial and supply chain ties. We aim to translate the memorandum with SACE into concrete opportunities for Slovak exporters—whether supplying the Italian market, participating in international projects led by Italian companies, or operating in third markets. Eximbanka’s role will be to help Slovak companies participate in such projects through appropriate financial, guarantee, and insurance instruments, ” said Rastislav Podhorec, CEO of Eximbanka.
The collaboration will include the exchange of relevant non-confidential market and portfolio information, the identification of business opportunities, and the organization of business, networking, and B2B events. One of the practical goals is to involve Slovak suppliers in larger international projects carried out by Italian companies. For transactions involving a reasonable share of Slovak supplies, Eximbanka may consider utilizing its instruments and, for larger projects, coordinate the process and risk allocation with SACE.
Another key area of the memorandum is cooperation on the reconstruction and economic revitalization of Ukraine. Both institutions aim to support partnerships between Slovak and Italian companies, particularly in infrastructure, construction, transportation, logistics, energy, mechanical engineering, industrial technologies, and engineering services. Activities may include the formation of joint consortia, connecting main contractors with subcontractors, and exchanging information on upcoming tenders and project plans.
To date, Eximbanka has supported Slovak exports to Italy worth more than two billion euros. The memorandum builds on existing trade ties and lays the groundwork for expanding them to include new investment and international projects.
About SACE
SACE is an Italian export credit agency owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Italian Republic. It supports the growth of Italian companies through a broad portfolio of tools and solutions focused on exports, innovation, and international expansion. Its services include, in particular, financial guarantees, factoring, risk management and hedging, consulting services, and activities aimed at connecting business partners.