Long abstract

About Statistics Publications & Documents Information by Country

Italy, which has progressively removed the obstacles to free movement of capital in the 1980s, has experienced substantial inflows of foreign direct investment. At the same time, Italian enterprises considerably reinforced their foreign presence. Under the combined effect of in- and outflow of direct investment, Italy strengthened economic ties with OECD countries, most particularly with partners in the European Union. This publication presents Italy's policies of foreign direct investment and describes its role in the national economy. Furthermore, it examines the regulations governing foreign participation in several sectors, particularly financial services and insurance, audio-visual, air and maritime transport, fisheries, energy and tourism.