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

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

Held at BonelliErede’s prestigious Milan headquarters, the event titled “Indian Investments in Italy” brought together key stakeholders from diplomacy, industry, academia, and the legal-financial ecosystem 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, shines a spotlight on India’s rising economic presence in Italy.

Key Findings:

  • 🇮🇳 800+ Indian-owned companies are currently operating across Italy.
  • 📈 Of these, approximately 200 represent direct foreign investments (FDI) from Indian corporations, 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 consolidated 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 gave insight on the growing interest of Indian investments in Italy and the strong Indian business community living in Italy.

Distinguished Speakers & Insights

The event featured thoughtful interventions and expert commentary from prominent figures shaping Indo-Italian relations:

  • 🔹 Lavanya Kumar, Consul General of India in Milan, who emphasized the significance of economic diplomacy in building bridges between the two countries.
  • 🔹 Prof. Carlo Cottarelli, renowned economist and former IMF director, also an ICCI Advisory Board Member, who outlined macroeconomic dynamics and India’s growing global influence.
  • 🔹 Alessandro De Nicola and Augusto Praloran, both Partners at BonelliErede and ICCI Advisory Board Members, who offered a comprehensive view of the legal and fiscal frameworks governing Indian investments in Italy, highlighting critical 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 enterprise. It provides sectoral 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 expand, Italy stands as a strategic European partner, ready to embrace deeper cooperation in sectors ranging from manufacturing to digital innovation and sustainable development.

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

We extend our sincere thanks to BonelliErede for hosting the event and to all 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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