Last 8th of November 2022 the panel discussion “Special Economic Zones and Simplified Logistic Zones: Ports as new poles of development” was held in Naples, organized by Intesa San Paolo Bank and its think tank Srm.
The event, which was also attended by the Government Commissioner for the Eastern Sicily SEZ, Prof. Eng. Alessandro Di Graziano, was an opportunity to learn about the current situation of Port Free Zones in the world, which have been growing steadily in the last 40 years.
In the Mediterranean Sea area, in particular, the world’s largest growth of ports connected to free zones is being recorded, driven by a significant increase in commercial maritime traffic, with a projected growth worth 3.5% on average per year until 2026.
It is relevant to note that Italian ports related to SEZ areas have shown an 11% higher efficiency than ports not connected to SEZs, in the context of overall cargo handling in the Italian port sector reaching 244 million tons of goods in the first 6 months of 2022.
In consideration of the aforementioned data, Intesa San Paolo Bank has launched a proposal for a plan to enhance SEZs in Southern Italy and Simplified Logistic Zones, which are being implemented in the Regions of Central and Northern Italy.
The bank announced: the allocation of a €5 billion plafond earmarked for production settlements and infrastructure upgrades; a roadshow to present the SEZs to potential foreign investors; a program of reshoring activities.
A dedicated financing line is also planned for companies that will invest in the SEZ areas, which recognizes an interest rate subsidy.
