SIMEST opens up to Artificial Intelligence: new rules for export financing and extraordinary aid against crises

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) has approved an important package of changes that reshapes the rules of SIMEST financing under Fund 394/81. The shift is twofold: on the one hand, Artificial Intelligence (AI) officially joins the eligible digital expenses; on the other, extraordinary safeguards are introduced for companies hit by the blockage of maritime routes (Hormuz/Suez crises) and by exceptional weather events in Southern Italy.

Artificial Intelligence enters the Digital Transition

To access SIMEST financing, companies must allocate a minimum share of the project to digital or green investments. With this reform, a 200-million-euro section of Fund 394/81 has been created, dedicated to the development and integration of AI systems.

These are not mere management software tools, but cutting-edge technologies applied to export:

• Predictive models: to anticipate trends and demand in foreign markets.
• Machine learning algorithms: to optimise international logistics and supply chain.
• Advanced e-commerce platforms: based on predictive and intelligent analysis of company data.

Financial advantages for those who invest

• High ceilings: up to 2.5 million euros for SMEs and innovative startups; up to 5 million euros for Large Enterprises.
• Reduced interest rate: cut to 10%, 50% or 80% of the prevailing reference rate.
• Flexible amortisation: financing up to 6 years (extendable to 8 for energy-intensive companies or those in strategic markets), with the first 2 years as a technical grace period.

Anti-crisis shield: support for the Persian Gulf and the South

The plan responds pragmatically to the geopolitical and climate shocks that are penalising Italian foreign trade:

• Geopolitical front (Hormuz / Suez crises): exporting companies that record a drop in turnover or an increase in average energy costs due to tensions in the Persian Gulf area can apply for a non-repayable co-financing of up to 30% of the project (maximum 200,000 euros).
• Climate front (severe weather in Southern Italy): companies with local units or operating offices in the Southern territories affected by exceptional weather events are entitled to a non-repayable grant of up to 10% (maximum 100,000 euros). In addition, an extraordinary exemption is granted: the possibility of using up to 90% of the entire financing for Capital Strengthening operations, directly consolidating the balance-sheet assets.

Admission and control rules: how to avoid the risk of revocation

The access conditions are of absolute interest, but the architecture of SIMEST controls imposes a strict corporate compliance protocol to protect the benefit and avoid future disputes:

• Full traceability: the use of a Dedicated Bank Account is mandatory, through which every single financial flow linked to the call must pass exclusively.
• Blocking prerequisites: access to the financial conditions of the SIMEST call is not governed by any automatic mechanism, but is subject to passing a strict administrative and accounting compliance protocol.
• MEF attestations: the final release of the enhanced non-repayable shares and the capital premiums requires certification by an external Statutory Auditor registered with the MEF.

The added value of Global Advisory Lab

The introduction of Artificial Intelligence and of safeguards against global crises qualifies SIMEST calls as financial instruments with very high returns, while increasing their complexity at the auditing and reporting stage. Improvisation in collecting supporting documents or an error in managing the Work Progress Reports (SAL) expose the organisation to the risk of revocation and repayment of the capital.

Our structure stands alongside management at every step: from the preliminary analysis to validate eligibility, through to the management of the telematic IT platform and coordination with MEF auditors, guaranteeing the total protection of the benefit to safeguard the company's business.