“Imprese Vincenti” goes global: Intesa Sanpaolo recognises 10 International SMEs

• Albania – Italcostruzioni: specialised in precision mechanical processing with a strong export orientation
• Croatia – Aircash: an innovative fintech company that has transformed the distribution of digital payment services
• Egypt – Salcef: active in developing solutions for sustainable mobility and major infrastructure projects
• Romania – Rekord: recognised for manufacturing excellence in technical outdoor footwear competing in high value-added international markets
• Serbia – Diopta: active in the optical sector, developing a scalable model based on operational efficiency and reliability; and Agroitaly, an agribusiness company evolving towards higher value-added crops
• Slovenia – Incom: a food industry excellence distinguished by strong internationalisation and continuous product innovation
• Slovakia – Minit Slovakia: developed a highly scalable business model that enabled its transformation from a family bakery into a European network
• Hungary – Prolan: an IT company developing railway automation and energy management solutions with a strong innovation focus through research and development; and Catone, which developed a logistics and production hub for agribusiness in Budapest with a focus on innovation and quality 

International geopolitical tensions and the conflict in the Middle East have contributed to reshaping the geography of opportunities in global markets. A recent survey conducted among Intesa Sanpaolo professionals supporting companies in their internationalization processes indicates that in 2026 Eastern European markets will offer the best growth opportunities for Italian exports.

These are economies with solid growth prospects also in the 2027–2028 period: Central and Eastern Europe (CEE; Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia) and South-Eastern Europe (SEE; Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania, and Serbia) are expected to show average annual GDP growth above 2.5%, supported by consumption, investment, and ongoing productive modernization. These areas therefore represent one of the main development poles for Italian companies, both in terms of trade and productive and commercial investments.

Economic ties between Italy and CEE and SEE countries are already highly significant. In 2024, the stock of Italian foreign direct investment in the area reached €46.5 billion, increasing compared to the previous year. Of this amount, €21.4 billion is invested in CEE countries and €25.1 billion in SEE countries. In the same year, investments from these economies into Italy exceeded €11 billion.

The direct presence of Italian companies in the region is particularly significant. Over 3,500 companies controlled by Italian groups operate in CEE and SEE countries (about one quarter of the Italian total), employing around 338,000 people and generating a turnover exceeding €52 billion. More than half of these employees work in manufacturing, especially in fashion, mechanics, transport equipment, rubber and plastics, and metal industries. In services, there is also a strong presence of financial and insurance activities.

Trade relations are also steadily strengthening. In 2025, Italian exports to CEE and SEE countries rose to €66.3 billion, compared to €48.4 billion in 2019 (+37%). At the same time, imports increased from €42 billion to €59 billion (+40%). Italy’s trade balance reached €7.3 billion, highlighting the strengthening competitive position of Italian companies in these markets.