In the first half of 2023, Campania witnessed a remarkable surge in export values, showcasing an impressive growth of +25.5% compared to the same period last year. This surge significantly outpaced the national average for Italian companies, which stood at +4.2%, as well as the overall figure for Southern Italy, registering only 1.3% growth. The Bank of Italy, in its economic update for Campania, highlighted these substantial gains in the region's export sector. Data from Istat revealed a noteworthy twofold increase in pharmaceutical exports, indicating robust development within Campania's pharmaceutical industries. The car production chain also experienced a substantial uptick, particularly in car sales directed towards Europe and North America, effectively doubling its figures. Marina Avallone, the director of the Bank of Italy in Campania, emphasised that over half of the export growth could be attributed to the thriving pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, significant increases were observed in the agri-food and automotive sectors, with heightened sales in European and North American markets.
The first half of 2023 also marked a robust period for tourism in Campania, signalling a definitive post-COVID resurgence. The region experienced a notable 9% increase in foreign tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2022. This growth extended beyond the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, which was considered a peak year for tourism in Naples. While analysing the current economic landscape, the Bank of Italy refrained from delving into the issue of Special Economic Zones (SEZ). Marina Avallone stated that SEZ is a topic under consideration, acknowledging concerns from various operators. However, the Bank of Italy is adopting a wait-and-see approach, preferring to observe the initial steps of the new SEZ before offering a comprehensive comment. Avallone highlighted some reservations, particularly regarding the decision-making shift to a more centralised level. The potential relocation of the decision-making centre introduces complexities, as a more centralised SEZ would need to oversee a broader territory than the current setup. Further observations and analyses are pending to form a comprehensive assessment of the SEZ's impact.
