| Number 63, May-June 2010 |
| A Bridge to Growing Markets
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| di Adolfo Urso* |
| MEDITERRANEAN SPECIAL - In recent years, we have become the leading trade partner of the Southern Mediterranean area, now we have to focus on investments |
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 The most recent data about the exchanges between Italy and the countries of the southern Mediterranean reveal a relation which has been consolidated and is growing. In the first quarter of 2010 our exports to this area increased by 23.2%, and they are expected to reach a record threshold of 22 billion Euros, possibly increasing to 30 billion Euros by 2012.
For this reason, we strongly believe that the southern Mediterranean is a priority for us, both in terms of the integration and the internationalization of our enterprises - especially for SMEs - in the same way as has happened to the Balkan and the central European regions over the last twenty years.
The time has come to act fast, not only by further intensifying our trade exchanges, since at present we are the most important trade partner for this area, having overtaken Germany and France, but especially by focusing on investments.
Markets can be conquered from the outside, but to maintain them it is necessary to invest and produce within them. This rule applies especially to those countries which really need our technology and entrepreneurial know-how and which have recorded remarkable growth rates over in the past few years (with an average rate of 5% per year).
In this context, the Ministry of Economic Development promoted a “road map” which focuses on the consolidation of the Italian presence in the industrial districts of the area, from Morocco to Turkey, through Tunisia and Libya. The region is destined to become a special gateway to our investments in this region thanks to its fiscal advantages like customs exemptions on machinery, equipments and raw materials only for Italian companies. Nevertheless, our country can play an essential role as a bridge between this area and Europe. In general,  Europe has been focusing much more on integration processes in the East, without considering the importance of events in the southern Mediterranean area, which has been developing an economic growth that can be compared to that of China, even if in a smaller context. Italy, together with Spain and France, can contribute to draw the attention of Europe towards this region, reaching development areas with
worldwide importance, such as the Middle East, Southeastern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
These are very important markets for vital raw materials: Sub-Saharan Africa has 40% of raw materials in the world, while the Middle East, as well as Algeria and Libya, have huge energy resources. We have the right and the duty to increase our presence in this area in order to consolidate our productive system and make it more competitive worldwide.
* Deputy Minister for Economic Development
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