The Western Australian government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy's export credit agency to support major projects in the state spanning critical minerals, energy and advanced manufacturing.
The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation between WA agencies and the Italian lender-insurer, with the stated aim of identifying projects that could attract export finance, guarantees or insurance to make investment and contracting more viable.
Critical minerals featured prominently in the agreement. Those resources are central to many global supply chains for batteries and low-emissions technologies, and the MoU signals a desire to link WA producers with overseas processors and equipment suppliers.
Energy projects are also covered. The arrangement could apply to renewables, new energy infrastructure and other developments where export credit support helps manage commercial and political risk for large capital works.
Advanced manufacturing is the third focus area, reflecting government ambitions to add value to raw materials and build local downstream capabilities that can supply domestic and international markets.
Export credit agencies typically provide financing, loan guarantees and insurance that make it easier for exporters and their overseas customers to commit to big contracts. For WA project owners, that support can widen the pool of potential contractors and reduce the cost of borrowing for large equipment and construction packages.
For Italian businesses, the memorandum creates a clearer pathway to participate in WA projects, whether through engineering, plant supply or investment in processing and manufacturing facilities.
State officials framed the MoU as part of WA’s broader effort to secure overseas partners and funding for long-term projects that require complex international supply chains and substantial capital.
Businesses pursuing developments in the three sectors should expect closer engagement between WA trade and investment agencies and their Italian counterparts, and to see export financing options presented as part of project structuring and tendering processes.
Details on specific projects, the timing of any financed transactions and the mechanisms by which support will be provided were not released alongside the signing. The memorandum sets up cooperation, with individual deals to be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
