A plan for export growth from the Lombardy Region

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Supporting exports in Lombardy, which are worth more than a quarter of national exports (26.3%), to make them grow further. With this objective, the Lombardy Region, in collaboration with Unioncamere Lombardia, is launching a plan for the internationalisation of businesses. In 2024, according to data from Unioncamere Lombardia, regional exports will reach 164 billion euros, up 0.6% compared to the previous year. In the first six months of 2025, they reached Euro 85 billion, an increase of 2.8% compared to the first half of 2024. Against this backdrop, the new strategy, desired by the Councillor for Economic Development, Guido Guidesi, and approved today by the Regional Council, is aimed at Lombardy's SMEs that intend to make their debut or consolidate their presence in international markets, to confirm Lombardy's role as Italy's leading region in terms of exports.

The companies that join the Region's project will be accompanied on an ad hoc path, providing 'tailor-made' support that is able to grasp the needs and potential to be developed. Webinars, training courses and operational tools for the management of export processes in complex markets will be activated, in order to increase companies' skills. Regione will help SMEs to define a customised internationalisation plan, select target markets, build commercial networks and evaluate action models consistent with company resources. Business matching activities, B2B events and foreign missions aimed at creating partnerships and distribution agreements will also be organised. EUR 1.5 million has been earmarked for activities related to the new regional plan. The image of companies will be enhanced through coordinated communication and promotion actions. A special focus will be devoted to the opportunities to be identified in Uzbekistan, as a gateway to the expanding markets of Central Asia, giving further concreteness to the path traced with the recent institutional mission of President Attilio Fontana.

The companies benefiting from the new internationalisation support services will be selected by a regional call for proposals managed in cooperation with Unioncamere Lombardia. "With this strategy we want to support Lombardy's small and medium-sized enterprises in their global challenges, helping them in an effective way to recognise and undertake opportunities for growth in foreign markets, developing skills and relational abilities," Guidesi explained. "In a context characterised by geopolitical and tariff uncertainties, the Region provides SMEs with concrete and customised assistance so that they can achieve their goals. We stand by those who work and have a development idea to pursue," he added. "This plan is fully in line with the vision of Lombardy as an increasingly global player, but at the same time attentive and capable of listening to the territories and businesses. With this initiative, the Lombardy Region confirms its role as a bridge between the Lombardy production system and global markets, promoting not only exports, but also collaboration and dialogue with European and non-European partners,' pointed out the regional undersecretary in charge of international and European relations, Raffaele Cattaneo.