Intesa Sanpaolo provides 60 billion euros to finance new productive investments, infrastructures and interventions related to the energy transition, with the aim of strengthen the growth of the South and expand the advantages of the Special Economic Zone model nationwide. new plan, called "Zes 2.0“, was presented in Bari and is promoted by the Banca dei Territori Division of Intesa Sanpaolo, led by Stefano Barrese, together with Confindustria and the Department for the South of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
The initiative aims to attract Italian and international capital, promote new industrial settlements in the South and support business growth. A significant portion of the project will also be directed at Northern companies interested in investing in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and, more generally, in extending simplified procedures to other parts of the country.
Zes 2.0: A ceiling for businesses, infrastructure, and energy
The 60 billion will be allocated in the next few years to corporate investments and infrastructure adaptation works ed energeticFor companies that choose to invest in the Zes (Special Economic Zones), a dedicated credit line is also provided, with favorable interest rate conditions that will be added to the public incentives already available. The plan also includes a new meeting program in Italy and abroad to showcase the opportunities offered by Southern Italy, engage international investors, and encourage new production locations.
Intesa Sanpaolo also intends to leverage its international network to support the expansion of Italian small and medium-sized businesses in foreign markets. This will be complemented by advisory services for extraordinary financial transactions, from capital raising to mergers and acquisitions, to growth paths and generational transitions.
The bank has already disbursed over €12 billion for investments directly or indirectly related to SEZs. Since 2020, more than €28 billion has been allocated to the southern regions, representing over 20% of the Banca dei Territori Division's total disbursements.
Barrese (Intesa): "Simplification is the winning formula."
Stephen Barrese, head of the Banca dei Territori Division of Intesa Sanpaolo, reiterated the group's confidence in the instrument, underlining the role of simplified administrative procedures in relaunching the southern economy. "We are convinced of theeffectiveness of the Zes as a strategic lever "This initiative is a strategic initiative for the growth of Southern Italy and other areas of the country, given how much it has already contributed to the renewed economic dynamism of Southern Italy. We have believed in it since its inception, with targeted actions and by stimulating direct and indirect investments supported by the ZES and with disbursements totaling over €12 billion. The new availability of an additional €60 billion complements the simplification of administrative procedures, a winning formula of this regulatory instrument, which is also essential for businesses in Northern Italy," stated Barrese.
The manager framed "Zes 2.0" as part of the bank's broader commitment to Southern Italy, developed through credit, extraordinary financing operations for SMEs, and support for internationalization. The project will also leverage the consolidated relationship with Confindustria and the group's ability to engage international partners and investors.
Over the years, Intesa Sanpaolo has organized missions to cities such as Dubai, Beijing, Frankfurt, and New York, as well as creating a specialized desk to support entrepreneurs in preparing and optimizing business plans.
Orsini (Confindustria): "The South is part of the solution for growth."
For the president of Confindustria Emanuele OrsiniThe results achieved by the Single Zes demonstrate that reducing bureaucracy can quickly translate into investment, employment, and increased production capacity. "Today we are finally changing the narrative: the South represents part of the solution for Italy's growth. The Single Zes is demonstrating that when bureaucracy and uncertainty are reduced, investments flow and generate value: we're talking about an overall impact of €59 billion, with employment benefits for over 70.000 jobs. This is the industrial policy the country needs: fewer obstacles, more businesses, more production, more jobs," said Orsini.
According to the president of Confindustria, “the South can become Italy's industrial platform in the Mediterranean, but this requires continuity, infrastructure, private capital and a strong alliance between institutions, the banking system and businesses,” he added.
Orsini defined the Zes as a “win-win” measure for the country, noting that investments also generate returns for the state through tax revenue and increased employment. He also called for continuing with tax relief measures and extending administrative simplifications to the North, considered necessary to reduce bureaucratic costs and free up new investments.
The president of Confindustria, however, also identified areas requiring action. Southern Italy's exports, stagnating at around €60 billion, are still considered insufficient, and it remains necessary to create greater opportunities for young people and strengthen the presence of Southern Italian companies in global value chains.
