Confindustria: "The blue economy is worth 10% of GDP"

“The Sea Economy in Italy has a considerable value, almost 180 billion euros, representing approximately 10% of our national GDP. Our strength lies precisely in the ability to integrate different sectors and skills, creating fundamental development prospects for our country”. Thus Mario Zanetti, Delegate of the President of Confindustria for the Maritime Economy, speaking at the Space&Blue Forum – “Economia dello Space and the Sea”.

“The interconnection between the Economy of the Sea and the Economy of Space represents a real strategic opportunity for Italy – he added -. Our role at a global level cannot ignore the peculiarities and resources we have at our disposal and our Mediterranean propensity together with our long technological experience in the space sector constitute an unparalleled heritage. The maritime industrial system is therefore ready to take up this challenge of interconnection between Space and Sea”.

For Zanetti this “collaboration can and must take place not only at a technological level, but also at a regulatory level. I am referring to the Montego Bay Convention, which can represent an important experience in defining collaborations in the space sector and in the Sea Plan and the Space Law which represent significant steps forward in this direction. I am convinced that the strengthening of link between the Sea and Space is a key to strategic development for Italy and that, therefore, it is our task to foster this awareness at a national level. Only in this way will we be able to multiply the potential that these economies alone offer, contributing in an essential way to the future and competitiveness of our country.”