by Marzio Bartoloni

Businesses in the underdeveloped, poorer South of Italy have started growing again. Above all, thanks to young people, and startups. There are 10,000 more companies — an increase for the first time since 2008 (+0.7%). Exports are also robust (+2.5%), stronger than in the North.

Another 50,000 jobs were created (+0.6%), but with the government's tax breaks for new hires expiring, the employment rate this year is starting to slow down. So positive GDP growth trends in Southern Italy should continue this year, albeit at a slower pace. Estimates show +0.3% growth, versus +0.8% nationally, less than in 2015 (+1%). Lots of positive signs. The one real negative is lack of public and private investments.

Read more

Fonte: Italy24