Single SEZ, Undersecretary Sbarra at the “Investing in Southern Italy” event hosted at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York
The Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for Southern Italy, Luigi Sbarra, took part this afternoon, via remote connection, in the event “Investing in Southern Italy”, organised by the Magna Grecia Foundation in collaboration with the Italy–America Chamber of Commerce at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York.
Representatives of Italian institutions, as well as US investors and economic operators, attended the initiative.
“Southern Italy today represents one of the most promising areas for investment in the Mediterranean. This outlook is clearly supported by the results achieved and by the growing interest of international investors in our country,” the Undersecretary stated.
During his address, Sbarra outlined the positive trends in economic and social indicators in Southern Italy over the past four years, reflecting the actions of the Meloni Government, which—after decades—has developed a unified and coordinated vision of policies and measures aimed at promoting growth and development, employment, and social cohesion.
“As highlighted by Sbarra, Southern Italy is now experiencing GDP growth exceeding that of other areas of the country; public and private investment is recovering, exports are strengthening, and the employment rate has reached an all-time high, with approximately 500,000 new jobs created. This trajectory must be consolidated and reinforced, as it is essential to bridging longstanding gaps with the rest of the country and Europe.”
Among the instruments most effectively supporting this positive momentum is the Single Special Economic Zone (Single SEZ) for Southern Italy, one of the flagship reforms introduced by the Meloni Government to enhance the region’s attractiveness and encourage new productive investment. Through the simplification of administrative procedures, shorter authorisation times, tax credits for businesses, and employment incentives targeting young people, women and disadvantaged workers, the Single SEZ is proving to be a highly valuable tool for economic growth and job creation in Southern Italy.
The results achieved following the 2023 reform confirm the effectiveness of the measure: the increase in investment and the number of business initiatives launched in southern regions is generating tangible benefits for the productive fabric and employment, with the creation of tens of thousands of new jobs.
Looking ahead, the Undersecretary emphasised the need to further strengthen the international dimension of the Single SEZ, enhancing its role as a platform for attracting foreign investment and connecting Italy’s production system with global markets.
“I hope that today’s meeting will represent a concrete opportunity to build new partnerships, create shared value, and further strengthen the economic ties between Italy and the United States,” Sbarra concluded.