China Desk - Doing business in Italy

The Italian legal system is a civil law system. Italy is a founding member of the European Union (EU). The body of European Community law is effective in Italy, either directly or by incorporation. Italy adheres to several international treaties and conventions, including the UN Convention on the International Sale of Goods (CISG). Italy is the 9th world exporter of goods and the 13th importer. 

The Italian economic structure relies mainly on services and industry sector. Indeed, twothirds of Italy’s GDP is contributed by the services sector (including wholesales, retails and transports sub sectors), while approximately 29% of national income is derived from manufacturing and construction industry, mainly run by small and medium-sized familyowned enterprises. The strongest industrial sectors are machinery and clothing / textiles. Agriculture contributes to the remaining share of total GDP. Attracting foreign investments has been an important factor in the economic and social development of the country, in addition to being one of the priorities of the Italian government.

Click here to read the full document