National Bank of Canada said on today it will partner with Milan-based UniCredit Group to offer its clients increased access to 16 countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

The agreement will give commercial clients of National Bank access to UniCredit Group’s services in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Russia, Turkey and Ukraine, it said.

It builds on an agreement National Bank announced last month with Britain’s Standard Chartered Bank meant to give clients additional access to emerging Asian and Middle Eastern economies.

“The agreement is part of a strategy that will likely see National Bank conclude similar agreements with banks in other countries with the objective of assisting business owners with overseas expansion,” senior vp Tony Meti said in a release.