Italy is the sixth country in the OECD area and the fourth in Europe by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Italian production accounts for 11% of the European Union’s GDP. Due to the characteristics of its production structure, Italy’s sector composition mirrors that of other major European countries, with 27.7% of production in manufacturing and construction, and nearly 70% in services. Within the services sector, trade, transportation, and communications contribute a higher proportion to GDP compared to the European average.
Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Italy is a crucial hub for road, maritime, and air connections between Northern and Southern Europe. The Italian market offers countless opportunities for expanding businesses, with nearly 60 million consumers and a GDP ranking fourth in Europe. Thanks to its strategic location, Italy provides easy access to 396 million consumers in other EU states, as well as 240 million in North Africa and the Middle East. Italy has secured a leading position (11% of the European market share), with a turnover of approximately 65 billion euros. In Europe, Italy ranks first for the lowest establishment costs in the biotechnology sector and second for product testing in research and development activities, chemistry, and electronics.
If you are interested in doing business in Italy, the Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy is at your disposal to provide information and contacts. We also suggest consulting the websites listed below:
- ITA- Invest in Italy ; Doing Business in Italy – Investment Guide 2018 – Italian Trade Agency (ITA)
- Invitalia – Agency for investment attraction and business development
- Italy Startup Visa – the program dedicated to attracting innovative companies
- Italian Business Register – for information on businesses based or operating in Italy
- AEFI – Italian Exhibition and Trade Fair Association