An event dedicated to the Single Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Southern Italy was held at the Embassy of Italy in London, aimed at illustrating growth opportunities in Southern Italy to British and international investors. The event, part of a wider strategy to support foreign investments in Italy highlighted how Southern Italy is a leading logistical hub in the Mediterranean, with an innovative and competitive ecosystem, supported by highly advantageous tax incentives, a highly trained workforce and administrative simplifications.
The event, organised by the Embassy of Italy in London in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) London, the National Council of Chartered Accountants and Accounting Experts (CNDCEC) and Intesa Sanpaolo was opened by Deputy Ambassador Riccardo Smimmo, who emphasised the strength of economic relations between Italy and the UK and the growing trend of bilateral trade and investments. Following this, Elbano de Nuccio, President of the CNDCEC, highlighted the crucial role of the accounting profession in facilitating foreign investments, mentioning the agreement recently signed between CNDCEC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He was followed by the Director of the Italian Trade Agency in London, Giovanni Sacchi, who highlighted the important role the Agency plays in both supporting investors to choose Italy as a destination for their business and assisting Italian exporters to succeed internationally.
The first session, “SEZ South: A Gateway to FDI and Trade,” explored why southern and central Italy is attractive for business and industry, and provided an overview of the new structure of the Single SEZ. Massimo Deandreis, General Manager of SRM, research center linked to the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, presented a positive macroeconomic outlook: “The South Italian regions, between 2019 and 2024 recorded a GDP increase of 7.7%, approximately two points above the national average. The so-called “Mezzogiorno” is growing thanks to a mix of manufacturing activities, a positive ecosystem with universities and research centres and the advantage of a geoeconomic position in the heart of the Mediterranean. It is in this context that the Special Economic Zone can play a powerful role to attract new investors.” Alfonso Siano, Head of International Relations, International Public Affairs di Intesa Sanpaolo, Executive Director Sales & Marketing Imprese Intesa Sanpaolo, concluded the session by highlighting the commitment of Italy’s leading banking group: “Intesa Sanpaolo has always believed in the value of SEZs as an effective tool for fostering growth in Southern Italy and enhancing business competitiveness. Within this framework, the Group has provided a wide range of services nationwide and has helped promote the Italian SEZ model internationally, supporting SME development and strengthening the competitiveness and international expansion of Italy’s manufacturing system.”
The second session, “Investing in Italy – Incentives and Opportunities,” offered a closer look at the practical implications of Italy’s investment instruments. Elbano de Nuccio, President of the CNDCEC, presented the technical aspects of international taxation for those investing from abroad. The President of the Italian chartered accountants also emphasized how “this initiative is a significant recognition of the commitment and expertise of Italian accountants. We are called to collaborate with institutions to support the country’s drive toward the increased internationalization of businesses—not only in terms of exports but also, as in this case, in terms of attracting foreign investment to Italy. We have become the natural consultants for foreign investors interested in entering our country, serving as their immediate point of contact.” He was followed by Michele Locuratolo, Scientific Coordinator of the CNDCEC Observatory on Internationalisation, who provided an overview of the government incentives that make Italy a destination of excellence, emphasising again the “important role of accountants as liaison between investors and local entrepreneurs. Based on their experience they can catalyse and support.”
The event, moderated by Aster Thackery, Investment Director at the ITA London, concluded by confirming the high level of interest from the UK investment and business community in the new development routes offered by Southern Italy and, more broadly, by investment opportunities in Italy.
