Confindustria Research Centre press conference, statement by the President of Confindustria Lombardia, Alberto Ribolla

Milan, 1 July 2016 – “The UK’s departure is not good news; it would have been better had it not happened, not least because we live in an interconnected world where events on the other side of the globe have repercussions everywhere. Change always presents an opportunity, and as Lombardy, and as a country, we must be swift and reactive.

Lombardy has the capacity to be attractive and is officially putting itself forward to become the new London—a more complex and multifaceted London, not solely dependent on finance. Lombardy is the most competitive region in our country and ranks among the most competitive in Europe.

For this reason, Confindustria Lombardia welcomes the commitment of Milan Mayor Sala and the President of the Lombardy Region, Maroni, to seize the opportunity to replace London as a European financial—and, I would add, manufacturing—hub. Bringing the European Medicines Agency or one of the Unified Patent Court divisions to Lombardy would increase the weight of European institutional representation in our region and provide an opportunity to exert greater influence in the financial sector, which is currently of vital importance to businesses.

Confindustria Lombardia will therefore promote synergies with institutions and other regional economic stakeholders, replicating the model that placed Lombardy in pole position to host the World Manufacturing Forum from 2017 onwards, thanks to the collaborative work with the Lombardy Region and the Politecnico di Milano, and the allocation of specific funds for what is considered the ‘Davos of manufacturing’.

If everyone is more productive, businesses are also more productive. All players must excel to achieve these goals, and we must not be distracted by the shock of change, but rather seize the opportunities presented to us. However, to do so, we must be fast and timely in managing the post-Brexit landscape to our advantage,” stated the President of Confindustria Lombardia, Alberto Ribolla, during his speech at the Confindustria Research Centre press conference held today at Assolombarda.

Attached are the data on UK-Lombardy trade and President Ribolla’s presentation

Attachments

• Ribolla CsC slides - 1July2016 FINAL.pdf
• Lombardy-UK Trade.pdf