The Plan
The Plan outlines the strategy of the Single Special Economic Zone (SEZ), aiming to strengthen the productive fabric of Southern Italy by positioning it as an international economic and logistical hub. Leveraging its natural position as a bridge between the East, North Africa, and Europe, the Plan seeks to attract new investments and offer additional opportunities to existing enterprises through administrative simplifications and facilitative instruments.
The generated investments will enhance a capital of professionalism, skills, and talents not yet fully expressed in Southern Italy, positively impacting employment both in quantity and quality, thereby making the South more attractive to those choosing to conduct business in this area.
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Decree-Law No. 124 of 19 September 2023 ("Southern Decree"), Article 11, paragraph 2, assigns the drafting of the Strategic Plan to the SEZ dedicated unit. The dedicated unit has promoted extensive stakeholder involvement by organizing technical meetings with all interested parties.
As provided for in article 10 of the Southern Decree, the Strategic Plan was first submitted to the Technical Secretariat and subsequently to the SEZ Steering Committee, which issued a favorable opinion on 26 July 2024. The Plan was adopted by decree of the President of the Council of Ministers on 31 October 2024.
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The Plan's analysis is based on a descriptive study that integrates quantitative elements with qualitative data and information on the production structure of southern Italy, with two main objectives: to map the current distribution of specialisations in the southern regions and to identify future development trajectories.
Five strategic sectors to be strengthened were identified, selected based on the specialization index of the regions and their established territorial presence: Agro-food & Agro-industry, Tourism, Electronics & ICT, Automotive, and Quality Made in Italy.
To fully harness the growth potential of the southern economic system, considering additional analytical categories (i.e. competitiveness, international projection, labour market, skills, project development, and technological frontier), four additional sectors have been identified for reinforcement: Chemical & Pharmaceutical, Naval & Shipbuilding, Aerospace, and Railway.
Furthermore, to develop a modern and innovative industry capable of positioning itself in high value-added segments, three technologies have been selected for promotion: digital technologies, resource-efficient and clean technologies (Cleantech), and biotechnologies (Biotech).
The selection of the nine sectors and three technologies enables the single ZES to maximize the utility of the single authorization instrument: with the submission of a single application and through a simplified and expedited procedure, it is possible to obtain all necessary permits for investment projects deemed strategic.
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The Plan also lists the range of incentives accessible to enterprises within the Single SEZ. For example: Single SEZ bonus for Southern Italy, youth bonus, women’s bonus, incentives for self-employment in strategic sectors for the development of new technologies and digital and ecological transition, as well as tax credits for investments in the Single SEZ to support private investments in capital goods.
Finally, the Plan outlines the priority indicators for establishing customs bonded areas, which significantly contribute to the competitiveness of southern ports, creating a favourable environment for productive investments and enhancing the attractiveness of the ports as global logistical hubs.