Qatar Development Bank and SACE S.p.A., Italy’s export credit agency and one of the world’s leading Export Credit Agencies, signed an export credit reinsurance agreement on June 11, 2026, in Prague, Czech Republic. The signing took place on the sidelines of TXF Global 2026: Export, Agency & Project Finance, a significant gathering for the industry.
The pact establishes a framework for both institutions to support joint export transactions involving Qatari and Italian exporters in third-country markets. It aims to help companies from both countries pursue larger projects in international markets with stronger risk-mitigation support and greater confidence. This structure is designed to facilitate cross-border collaboration by providing institutional backing.
Khalid Abdullah Al-Mana, Vice President of Enterprise Development at Qatar Development Bank and Executive Director of Qatar Exports, said the deal extends the bank's capabilities. He emphasized that the framework reflects QDB’s broader role in strengthening the ability of Qatar’s private sector to expand its presence in international markets. This contributes to a more diversified and competitive economy in line with the priorities of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.
“This agreement represents a significant extension of QDB’s export-support capabilities and reinforces our commitment to equipping Qatar-based companies with the tools they need to grow beyond local markets.”
— Khalid Abdullah Al-Mana, Vice President of Enterprise Development at Qatar Development Bank and Executive Director of Qatar Exports
The agreement introduces a streamlined structure for supporting joint export contracts, particularly in projects where companies from both countries supply goods or services to buyers outside their home markets. Aligned with established international export credit practices, the framework allows one institution to lead the coverage, while the other supports the portion linked to its national exporters. This coordinated arrangement makes joint export transactions easier to support and more manageable from a risk perspective.
Mario Melillo, Chief Network Officer at SACE, noted the platform for stronger cooperation. He highlighted that the agreement provides a concrete framework to support export transactions involving Italian and Qatari content. Melillo added that the deal supports a deeper and more structured economic relationship between Italy and Qatar.
“We are pleased to partner with Qatar Development Bank through an agreement that creates a practical platform for stronger cooperation between Italian and Qatari companies in third markets.”
— Mario Melillo, Chief Network Officer at SACE
A key feature is the Sharia-compliant basis for QDB’s participation. Under this approach, QDB’s support will be provided in line with Islamic finance principles. For SACE, the agreement marks its first participation in a fully Sharia-compliant reinsurance arrangement. This underscores the growing role of Islamic finance principles in international export credit cooperation.
The signing builds on QDB’s continued efforts to deepen Qatar’s export-support infrastructure through specialized solutions and strategic cooperation with international export credit agencies. This latest step reinforces the bank's commitment to equipping local companies with necessary tools for growth.
Frequently asked questions
What is Qatar Development Bank SACE deal
Qatar Development Bank and SACE signed a reinsurance agreement to support joint export transactions in international markets.
When was Qatar Development Bank SACE agreement signed
The agreement was signed on June 11, 2026, in Prague, Czech Republic.
What is the goal of Qatar Development Bank export credit reinsurance
The goal is to help Qatari and Italian companies pursue larger projects in international markets with stronger risk-mitigation support.
