ADIO signs strategic partnership with Italy’s CDP to boost investment, trade

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the Italian National Promotional Institution, have announced their first strategic partnership. This collaboration is designed to assist Italian companies interested in investing or expanding in Abu Dhabi, as well as to support Emirati companies seeking development opportunities in Italy. This partnership aims to foster stronger economic ties between the two regions.

The strategic cooperation was formally established during the Italy-UAE Business Forum held in Rome. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended the ceremony. Rashid Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), representing ADIO, and Giovanni Gorno Tempini, Chairman of CDP, jointly signed the agreement. This significant event coincided with the official state visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Italy, further highlighting the importance of the partnership.

This development comes at a time of increasing bilateral relations between the two countries, especially following Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to the UAE in 2023. Italy is one of the UAE's major trading partners, with annual trade exceeding AED 30 billion (EUR 8 billion). CDP plays a crucial role in supporting Italian businesses by providing comprehensive financial services, including facilitating internationalization processes. Through this agreement, ADIO aims to connect Italian companies, including those within CDP's portfolio, with investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi.

Furthermore, the agreement will also assist Emirati companies in their international expansion by providing access to facilitated Italian business opportunities. To promote commercial relations, ADIO and CDP will organize trade delegations and host workshops and discussions aimed at exchanging knowledge and insights on business and investment trends, thereby further strengthening cooperation. These activities will facilitate networking and knowledge sharing between businesses from both countries.

H.E. Bader Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, stated, "Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for business and investment is strengthened through our collaboration with CDP, solidifying economic ties with Italy and creating tangible, long-term value for both nations. ADIO will provide Italian businesses with a clear, structured pathway to access one of the world’s most dynamic economies, while empowering Abu Dhabi-based companies with privileged access to the Italian market, unlocking new avenues for growth and collaboration. Beyond market access, this partnership will accelerate investment, drive innovation, and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as a gateway for global investors."

In line with its 2025-2027 strategy, CDP will continue to prioritize international cooperation, with a particular focus on establishing economic partnerships in emerging markets. The institution plans to invest EUR 81 billion over the next three years, with a target of mobilizing total investments of EUR 170 billion through third-party capital. This strategic focus underscores CDP's commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth on a global scale.

Giovanni Gorno Tempini, Chairman of CDP, stated, "The collaboration with ADIO represents an important step in the existing economic ties between Italy and Abu Dhabi. In a rapidly changing global landscape, Italy and the Gulf countries are forging new strategic alliances to drive investment, innovation and sustainable growth. By leveraging CDP's network of Italian companies and ADIO's expertise in attracting foreign direct investment, we are creating new avenues for businesses to expand, invest and innovate in both markets, while reinforcing our commitment to promoting sustainable and long-term economic growth through mutually beneficial cooperation." This partnership will undoubtedly contribute to closer economic ties and shared prosperity between Italy and Abu Dhabi.