(26 April 2017) The number of Italian construction companies abroad continue to grow. The stagnation in domestic demand, in fact, did not stop the foreign turnover which recorded 286.5% between 2004 and 2015. A positive performance that SMEs contributed to thanks to the implementation of an action plan. "Our success leveraged on a supply chain strategy," said Gerardo Biancofiore - Chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Ance. We have worked with Governments and international organisations such as ICE, SACE, and Simest, coordinated with embassies, and become affiliated to major lenders. But the SMEs to grow, as I pointed out in a meeting with Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano - they need more support from the Italian network on guarantees to participate in international competitions, like in other countries". But for the chairman of the Internationalisation Committee for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises of the Year, more can be done. "Production standards abroad today, are held to high technological standards and comprehensive qualification. The true added value lies in customer service. Technological solutions will always count, one has to pay attention to the cost component, but the ability to create something that will last both in terms of excellence and materials, will become an increasingly determining factor from now on and in the near future. To ensure that these works do not become obsolete in time, maintenance will be as important as production". (Red)

NEW STRATEGIES

For Biancofiore, it is necessity to make further efforts to ensure an action plan, which cuts down down time and avoids overlapping, especially to ensure that small companies have a suitable counterpart on foreign markets. "Words and decisions should be followed by concrete projects and analysis. The construction of the world of the next few decades counts on it. Those countries that will define more functional and forward-looking strategies will gain the competitive advantage of setting new global standards. As far as business is concerned, we are ready. We are aiming to further increase the Italian portfolio on an international scale. "