Supporting the establishment of Special Economic Zones in less developed areas in South of Italy

The Commission supported the national authorities in their efforts to establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Southern Italy.

Context

Despite the recovery in recent years, Southern Italy’s economy still suffers from the effects of the crisis. After seven years of recession (2008-2014), the economy of Southern Regions, despite a three-year period of consolidated growth, is still behind not only compared to the rest of Europe but also to the rest of the Country. SEZs are strategic and effective instruments for the achievement of national and regional industrial development policy objectives. As such SEZs will require coherent and coordinated cooperation from various stakeholders.

Support delivered

The support measures requested included:

1. Identification and analysis of European SEZs;
2. Study visits in two European SEZs with exchange of good practices;
3. Support to the implementation of SEZs focusing on governance, administrative simplification, target definition and marketing.

Results achieved

As a result of this project, and with the help of a user-friendly interactive platform acting as a single point of information, Italy is able to promote youth entrepreneurship, strengthen existing companies and attract foreign investments.