Trade with Italy

Italy has the sixth largest economy in the world (after the USA, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom and France) with a population of about 58 million, and an annual GDP nearly twice that of Canada's . Moreover, per capita incomes in the industrial heartland of northern Italy are actually the highest in Europe. Although still burdened by a high level of public debt generated in the 1980s, a sustained push for fiscal austerity in the last four years -- linked to Italy's participation in the European Monetary Union - has somewhat improved Italy's fiscal outlook.
Italy is Canada's eleventh largest trading partner and offers significant opportunities for expansion. Total Italian direct investment in Canada rose from $277 million in 1994 to around $1,036 million in 2003. Total Canadian investment in Italy now stands at about $CAN 1.7 billion ($ 1,619 million in 2003), and is an important bridgehead for Canadian companies doing business in Italy and the EU. As Italy continues to privatize its huge public sector and to further deregulate its market, it will deserve increasing attention from Canada, especially for cutting-edge technology and investment. The Italian business sector also sees Canada as an increasing attractive investment destination, and Canadian companies as potential players in strategic partnerships for exploring opportunities in third-country markets.
Visit the office of the Trade Commissioner Service in both Rome & Milan. Please note: if you are a Canadian company looking for export opportunities and contacts in the Italian market, check out the English/French pages; if you are an Italian company looking for Investment or trade opportunities in Canada check out the ITALIAN pages.