FTZ News: BARI, Italy – Italy’s largest bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, announced on July 16, 2026, an ambitious new plan called “ZES 2.0” with a massive €60 billion budget. This program, developed in partnership with Confindustria (Italy’s leading industrial association) and the Department for Southern Italy under the Prime Minister’s Office, represents the biggest private-public initiative in recent years to strengthen Special Economic Zones (ZES) in the country.

The plan comes as Italy tries to turn its southern region into a national growth engine and boost its competitiveness against powerful free zones and ports in neighboring countries.

Key Details of the Plan:
- €60 billion in new resources for investment, infrastructure, and energy transition
- Special focus on attracting investment from northern Italy and foreign investors
- Domestic and international roadshows to draw capital
- Preferential financing conditions for companies investing in ZES
- Support for small and medium-sized Italian companies to expand internationally through the bank’s global network

Statistical Analysis:
According to the bank, since 2020 Intesa Sanpaolo has provided more than **€28 billion** in financing to southern Italy, of which over **€12 billion** was directly linked to Special Economic Zone projects.

The “Check-up Mezzogiorno” report presented at the event shows that between 2019 and 2025, GDP growth in southern Italy reached **8.3%**, compared to **6.3%** for the entire country. These figures have raised hopes that ZES 2.0 can accelerate this positive trend.

Strategic Importance
The program positions southern Italy as a “natural bridge” between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. By further simplifying administrative procedures, offering tax credits, and providing incentives for hiring young people and women, the government and private sector hope to attract a new wave of foreign investment to the south.

Stefano Barrese*, Head of Banca dei Territori at Intesa Sanpaolo, emphasized: “We believed in the potential of ZES from the very beginning, and now with this new €60 billion, we intend to turn it into a powerful tool for Italy’s entire manufacturing system.”

This major initiative comes at a time when Europe is facing fierce competition from China, Turkey, and the Gulf countries in the field of special economic zones. The success of ZES 2.0 could serve as a model for other European nations seeking to revive their underdeveloped regions.