It’s a place that needs no introduction. Known worldwide for its beauty, history and culture, Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. However, still not satisfied with this success, the region aims to promote itself more on both national and international markets.
This is why Region President Eugenio Giani came to New York and spoke at ICE this morning, introduced by Director Antonino Laspina and Consul General Fabrizio Di Michele.
“Tuscany is a region famous for culture, a beautiful territory and its high-quality of life. But our region is also an economy open to international business. It is part of our history since the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca became rich thanks to international commerce, and the most important Florentine families created the first international banks.”
Giani also stressed the strong presence of foreign investors in Tuscany: “In our region there are more than 800 foreign companies, with a turnover of almost 28 billion euros and more than 60,000 workers.” In this market with great potential, the United States is currently the second largest investor in Tuscany, behind only France. In Tuscany we know how to work with investors: the Region is organized with a department for private investments, in charge of one specific office , Invest in Tuscany, which is responsible for promoting and managing investments. The director of the department reports to me, so international investments are a direct interest of the President.”
Indeed, Tuscany offers opportunities in so many sectors, from tourism, to real estate, agriculture, manufacturing and high-tech. In addition to traditional industries, like fashion, gold and textile, Tuscany is also home to technology sectors, for example those connected to our Universities or the Regional healthcare system. Many startup or local companies offer opportunities in the digital, biotech, circular economy, mobility sectors.
So it’s not surprising that Tuscany is the third region in Italy to attract foreign capital following Lombardy and Lazio. The infrastructure, high-speed rail and ports are all there. Tuscany is the sixth largest region in Italy by economy and contributes 7 percent to the gross domestic product.
Why invest there? Because “Made in Tuscany” is synonymous with quality, culture and top-level tourism. Because it’s home to high fashion brands and has 7 universities (with 6,000 professors and 120,000 students). Because the lifestyle is excellent, the costs are competitive, and the regional government is very open to international business, making it an attractive location for investment.
