Torino and Piemonte have a unique geographical position, right at the heart of the European development system, and an important history.

The region played an essential role in the economic and social growth of Italy in the 20th century. Here intellectual vividness has always been a distinctive feature: Torino, first capital of Italy, was the political and strategic point of departure for the reunification of the country in 1860; the political thought of historical figures like Cavour, Giolitti and Gramsci influenced contemporary academia on a world level. National publishing houses, such as Einaudi and Utet, contributed to the international diffusion of writers like Calvino, Pavese and Ginzburg. Then, in the last twenty years, like other large European regions with a high level of industrial growth, Piemonte has experienced a rebalance among the various economic macro-sectors (agriculture, industry, services).

Piemonte has never been more active than recently and its complex process of transformation is starting to show significant results.

Now, the region's economic profile is that of an area still in increasing progress. In order to strengthen the international development of the whole territory, in 2006, Unioncamere Piemon-te (the Chambers of Commerce of Piemonte) and the Piemonte Regional Authority gave birth to the Centro Estero per l'Internazionalizzazione - Piemonte Agency for Investments, Export and Tourism, the first Italian institution which gathers the efforts of several bodies working together: the regional Chambers of Commerce, other local organizations, research centers and universities. The new-born institution assembles the expertise of pre-existing organizations.

Piemonte: discover our challenging companies
Modern and lively, Piemonte is one of the most industrialized regions of the country and can offer to international markets a wide range of capabilities and a unique ensemble of manufacturing, with approximately 400,000 enterprises (out of 5 million all over Italy).

Here, thanks to Unioncamere Piemonte and the Piemonte Regional Authority, the Piemonte Agency works with the aim of fostering the international development of the region by increasing the presence of local companies and their competitiveness in international markets, attracting foreign investments and promoting worldwide the regional tourist offer, products and services. Therefore it is the reference point for foreign enterprises or corporations looking for information and contacts in Piemonte. Thanks to the solid experience acquired by our Agency's affiliated institutions, their contacts with local organizations and their extensive knowledge of the enterprises of the region, by contacting us, foreign enterprises can:

• become acquainted with the local economic system and sectors
• acquire data on Piemonte, information on business opportunity creation, labor markets and taxation
• obtain help in selecting the best location opportunities in Piemonte according to their needs
• find possible suppliers, partners or other players
• develop tailor-made industrial cooperation projects such as know-how transfer and establishment of joint-ventures
• carry out projects for partners' research in mutual cooperation with other international organizations
• discover the top-class universities and the polytechnic, their education offered in all fields of study, their excellent accommodation and range of services.

All economic sectors are involved in the activities carried out to optimize and valorize abroad all excellences belonging to Piemonte's traditionally strong productive culture. Our Agency also manages several long-term projects dedicated to some specific fields of excellence: "From Concept to Car" for the automotive sector; "Think up" for the Ict sector; "Torino Piemonte Aerospace" for the aerospace sector.

All three projects, aiming at promoting regional expertise and capacities in the main foreign markets, were set up by the Torino Chamber of Commerce and are co-financed by Piemonte's Regional Authority, the European Union and the Ministry of Economy ("Think up" is also managed with technical partners of high experience: Torino Wireless, CSI-Piemonte). Their contact offices, based in our Agency, act as interlocutors in order to facilitate and carry out the match-making of specific and targeted contacts with potential suppliers. Participation at international events, world-wide trade missions and invitations to meet international buyers constitute some of the activities undertaken by the projects.

Other important activities deal with the promotion of the agro-food and wines & spirits sectors of the region. Such enological and gastronomic specialties act as incentives to discover and enjoy the breathtaking beauties of the area.

Piemonte: a strategic choice for investments
When strategy calls for business expansion and relocation in Europe, Piemonte offers a wealth of opportunities to foreign companies.

Our team of experts proposes a tailored approach, responding to customers' unique business requirements when planning to relocate in Italy. Experienced professionals add value to customers' plans by working together and in connection with private and public sector networks.

The Agency also cooperates with companies which have already invested in the region in order to anticipate strategic shifts and facilitate operations.

• site selection and pre-feasibility studies
  
• advice on how to set up a legal entity in Italy
  
• legal, customs and taxation information and complete information on incentives and tax benefits
  
• HR, training and recruitment support
  
• assistance for immigration and visa procedures
  
• assistance for joint ventures and acquisitions.