Doing business in Italy

With a population of 60 million and a GDP of €1,548.816bn billion in 2010 Italy has established political, defence and trade relationships with UK and is one of UK's largest markets.

Italy is one of one of the top world's exporters and ranks among the world's eight largest economies. UK exports in goods to Italy in 2011 were valued at 9.888 billion pounds, a 12% increase on 2010.

What are the opportunities?

Key opportunities include clothing and footwear, construction, creative & media, defence & security, environment, finance, food & drink, ICT and healthcare. In addition there will be opportunities for UK companies in the large infrastructure projects planned for the World Expo to be held in Milan in 2015.

Overseas Business Risk

Read our report giving more details of overseas business risk in relation to Italy.

This covers:

Political and economic background
Bribery & corruption
Terrorism threat
Protective security advice
Intellectual property
Organised crime

Guide to doing business in Italy

UKTI has produced a guide aimed at companies experienced in overseas trade who are new to doing business with Italy. This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to sources of help.