Apr. 11 – The relationship between Italy and France is historically characterized by mutual rivalry, but it is also undeniably interdependent, geographically, culturally and even economic, as shown by the latest data. In an international context marked by a fragile recovery, Italian investors remain interested in the French market. About 685 foreign investment projects were registered in France in 2013, of which 64 come from Italy (9.3%), a higher number than those of 2012, considered the best in the last decade. The news was released in a statement by the French Agency for International Investment (AFII) and the French Embassy in Italy. “These 64 projects – says the statement – help create or retain about 2,500 jobs (+17% compared to 2012). And while France’s largest foreign investors reduce their number, the United States (-22%) and Germany (- 6%), Italy significantly strengthens its position as third largest investor for number of projects developed in France. Italy today is the second largest in Europe, while in 2007 it was sixth.” Historically, Lombardy is the first region in Italy to look up to France, with an average of 33% of the projects (since 2008). With 52% of projects in 2013, Lombardy registered an outstanding result, followed by Piedmont (14%), Emilia -Romagna (11%) and Veneto (11 %). “As in previous years – continues the statement – the majority of the projects are predominantly in the sectors of mechanical engineering and metallurgy. In 2013, however, the hospitality, tourism and catering industries grew notably (13% of projects), and the textile industry, fashion and clothing (also 13%).” With regard to the nature of the investments the majority is devoted to production activities (41%), a result that confirms Italy’s historical presence in French territory; these are followed by decisional investments (19%) and services for businesses (14%), as well as research and development (11%). “The economic relationship between Italy and France is getting stronger. Both countries are second partners to each other,” said the French Ambassador to Italy, Alain Le Roy, stressing how the economic diplomacy promoted by the minister Laurent Fabius “translates into regular cooperation between the French Embassy and the French Agency for International Investments to foster foreign investments towards France. I am pleased to see that Italy is on the same line with its Destination Italy project.” “These results confirm the dynamism and responsiveness of Italian entrepreneurs. Next to the great Italian groups, whose presence is getting strenger, there are many small and medium enterprises that find in the French market a space conducive to their internationalization. Overall, since 2008 Italian entrepreneurs have launched 338 investment projects that created or retained 16,000 jobs,” recalls Hervé Pottier, director of AFII Italy.
