After Germany, Italy has Europe’s largest manufacturing industry. Italian companies have managed to increase their turnover on foreign markets, and many industries are doing well, including automotive, machinery and engineering, pharmaceutical goods, clothing and footwear, food and beverage.

Growth-enhancing measures

To stay competitive as a nation, Italy has introduced several growth-enhancing measures. Many large projects have been initiated by the government to develop the physical and digital infrastructure as well as the energy sector. Italy also hosts three major UN agencies and two large international logistical hubs.

Opportunities for Swedish companies

Swedish products are held in high regard by Italian consumers, something many Swedish companies take advantage of, often through subsidiaries and partnerships. Italian businesses are particularly interested in our products and services within manufacturing, ICT, electronics, vehicles, health care, life sciences and environmental technology.

Possible challenges

As a newcomer on the Italian market, it can be challenging to get to grips with the country’s complex bureaucracy. In the interview below, our Country Manger Pelle Jacobson has a few tips on how to deal with this and other business risks in Italy.

How we can help

Business Sweden has been active in Italy since the 1970s. From our office in Milano, we also cover the nearby markets Greece, Cyprus, Malta, San Marino and the Vatican. Together with our global business developers in Sweden, we can guide you through the entire internationalisation process – from market analyses through strategic advice to finding suitable business partners.