The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group (CDP) launched Business Matching, a digital platform designed to support the growth and internationalisation of Italian businesses abroad.
The platform created by CDP Group will provide companies with a digital space to create business opportunities and get in touch with other companies in foreign markets, thanks to a “matchmaking” algorithm, that will match Italian and foreign businesses based on their characteristics and needs.
The initial target of the project will be the main Asian markets, starting from China, Japan and India, and then will be extended to other countries according to the priorities indicated by the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Economic Development.
The main objective of Business Matching is to support Italian exports and, in the meantime, to promote possible business opportunities in Italy for foreign companies, proposing an alternative system to overcome physical barriers and restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
Among the multiple functions of the platform, the service will allow customers to view information on the foreign company selected by the algorithm and, in case of a “match”, it will be possible to arrange a virtual meeting in a dedicated space (virtual room) within the platform with the availability of an interpreter.
In addition, registered companies will have the opportunity to take part in events and webinars to learn more about different countries and markets. They will also enjoy access to news, success stories and interviews with experts from the main target sectors.
The platform, created by CDP in eight languages and aligned with the highest IT security standards,will dedicatethe first weeks after the launch to enrich its database, welcoming new registrations and defining the objectives and business needs previously indicated by the companies.
After the initial launch phase, the tool will be fully operational and will allow companies to get in touch with the potential partners proposed by the algorithm.
The Business Matching platform can be accessed both from CDP and SIMEST’s websites and through the Foreign Ministry’s export and internationalisation portal Export.Gov.it. Companies can sign free of charge.
