ICCI & BonelliErede Release Landmark Report on Indian Investments in Italy: A Milestone for Indo-Italian Business Relations.

May 15, 2025
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Milan, May 14, 2025 – The Indian Chamber of Commerce in Italy (ICCI), in strategic partnership with the leading law firm BonelliErede, proudly unveiled the first-ever report mapping Indian investments in Italy, marking a historic step in documenting and strengthening Indo-Italian economic ties.

Held at BonelliErede’s prestigious Milan headquarters, the event titled “Indian Investments in Italy” brought together key stakeholders from the diplomatic, industrial, academic, and legal-financial sectors for a highly anticipated moment: the launch of “Doing Business in Italy 2025, ” ICCI’s flagship publication and the first comprehensive guide tailored for Indian companies, investors, and professionals exploring opportunities in Italy.

A Groundbreaking Report

The highlight of the event was the public presentation of exclusive data compiled and analyzed by ICCI, presented by Luciano Pettoello Mantovani, Secretary General of ICCI. The research, conducted by Cecilia Giannini and Erka Tana, highlights India’s growing economic presence in Italy.

Key Findings:

  • 🇮🇳 More than 800 Indian-owned companies are currently operating across Italy.
  • 📈 Of these, approximately 200 represent foreign direct investment (FDI) from Indian companies, particularly in sectors such as:
    • Textiles
    • Automotive
    • Information Technology
    • Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals
    • Energy
    • Industrial Machinery
    • Business Services
  • 🌱 An additional 600 companies are operated by members of the Indian diaspora, notably in:
    • Agri-food and Food Processing
    • Wholesale and Retail
    • HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering)
    • Fashion
    • Light Manufacturing and Services

This is the first time such data has been compiled and made available to the public, providing a crucial foundation for policymakers, investors, and business leaders alike to assess the scope, impact, and trajectory of Indian business in Italy.

The data was presented by our Secretary General, Luciano Pettoello Mantovani, who also provided insight into the growing interest in Indian investment in Italy and the thriving Indian business community living in Italy.

Distinguished Speakers & Insights

The event featured insightful remarks and expert commentary from prominent figures shaping Indo-Italian relations:

  • 🔹 Lavanya Kumar, Consul General of India in Milan, who emphasized the importance of economic diplomacy in building bridges between the two countries.
  • 🔹 Prof. Carlo Cottarelli, a renowned economist and former IMF director, who is also a member of the ICCI Advisory Board, discussed macroeconomic trends and India’s growing global influence.
  • 🔹 Alessandro De Nicola and Augusto Praloran, both partners at BonelliErede and members of the ICCI Advisory Board, provided a comprehensive overview of the legal and tax frameworks governing Indian investments in Italy, highlighting key factors that foreign companies should consider.

A Tool for Strategy, Not Just Symbolism

The “Doing Business in Italy 2025” guide serves not only as a practical tool for Indian investors but also as a symbol of Italy’s readiness to welcome Indian businesses. It provides sector-specific insights, regulatory overviews, cultural guidance, and case studies that demystify the Italian business environment for Indian stakeholders.

The publication is available for digital download below, and hard copies will be distributed through the ICCI office and the Consulate General of India in Milan.

A Strategic Bilateral Future

As India’s role in the global economy continues to grow, Italy stands as a strategic European partner, ready to pursue deeper cooperation in sectors ranging from manufacturing to digital innovation and sustainable development.

The Indian Chamber of Commerce in Italy is proud to help usher in this new chapter in Indo-Italian business relations and will continue its mission to provide insights, advocacy, and access to both Indian and Italian companies seeking to build cross-border success stories.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to BonelliErede for hosting the event, and to all the speakers and attendees who made this gathering a timely, data-driven, and visionary discussion on the future of Indo-Italian economic collaboration.

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