The actions of diplomacy in attracting foreign investment

There is fierce competition among countries to attract foreign investment, which is a proven driver of economic development. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as part of its commitment to promoting the internationalisation of the Italian economy, promotes the country to foreign investors. This activity must be carried out in full harmony with the country's foreign policy guidelines and in close coordination with various other ministries, institutions and local authorities.  

Italy has an extensive diplomatic-consular network covering all five continents. The Ministry maintains constant dialogue with embassies and consulates, providing guidance and suggestions. The diplomatic-consular network, in turn, organises events and interacts at all levels with local authorities, the media, the economic and financial world, civil society, the Italian community abroad, etc.  The above allows to reach potential investors all over the world, showing them the opportunities that Italy has to offer.

However, it is important to be aware that foreign investment can be a means of entering a country and taking possession of assets related to national security. In such cases, an in-depth analysis is carried out, at the end of which the Government may make the investment subject to certain obligations and, if these obligations do not sufficiently limit the risks, Italy may prohibit the investment.