"Our conviction that port logistics can be a flywheel for the country's growth stems from the numbers: ports are strategic because 60% of Italy's import-export flows through them, so it is clear that their role and that of the connections they create, both seaward and landward, is fundamental. Thus Mario Zanetti, Confindustria President's Delegate for the Economy of the Sea and President of Confitarma, in an interview with Focus Economia on Radio24.

"At this key moment, the government is working on a reform of the port governance system which is a great opportunity for the country - emphasised Zanetti', in order to relaunch Italy's role as a logistics hub in the Mediterranean, improving the competitiveness and attractiveness of our ports. The Delegate reiterated how crucial it is that the port reform results in a overview because a central direction of port policy at the Italian level is indispensable; just as it is fundamental that work be done on the efficiency of the system, on simplification, on de-bureaucratisation and digitalisation, and that the divisions of competences within the Public Administration be clarified. In this context, Zanetti reiterated the importance of the involvement of representatives (industrial, shipowning, territorial), so that all stakeholders are heard and can make their contribution.

Then asked about the Blue Economy, Zanetti highlighted how the Sea Economy is an important but complex ecosystem, with a value of EUR 180 billion, 10% of the national GDP, over 230,000 enterprises and more than one million employees, equal to 4.1% of national employment and cwith an economic multiplier of 1.8 - among the highest - which rises to EUR 2.7 if only maritime transport is considered. 'These are significant numbers,' said Mario Zanetti, 'of a sector that is important in its own right but with an enabling function for the country system. Moreover, 80% of the world's goods travel by sea, so the focus is on numbers. And Italy, too, is rediscovering this centrality, which is also underlined by the recent establishment of the Minister for Sea Policies'.

"Confindustria is working towards a new industrial policy approachstructured around three strategic drivers to be submitted to the institutions: infrastructure and ports, carriers and fleets, people and skills. Three important directions for our ecosystem and for the entire country system,' Zanetti concluded. And with reference to the Italian shipping community, 'we intend to reaffirm the strategic importance of Italian maritime transport. Our fleet is crucial for domestic industry, from manufacturing to agribusiness, energy supply and tourism, and is at the forefront in Europe and worldwide in key, high value-added sectors.