Confcommercio hosts urban economy summit in Bari

The second edition of “InCittà – Spazi che cambiano, economie urbane che crescono” took place in Bari on October 29 and 30. Organized by Confcommercio as part of the Cities project, the event brought together institutions, businesses, and academics to discuss the future of Italian urban spaces and proximity economies.

Carlo Sangalli, president of Confcommercio, emphasized that cities are a common good requiring shared commitment to improve safety and livability. He announced a symbolic handover of shop keys to mayors on November 16 to strengthen collaboration with ANCI.

Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, noted that approximately 458,000 commercial premises, or 17% of the total, are expected to be vacant by the end of the year. This trend is particularly pronounced in small municipalities and Southern Italy. Urso also mentioned the use of duties on certain Chinese imports to protect consumers and the environment from products that do not meet sanitary or regulatory standards.

European Commission Executive Vice President Raffaele Fitto also participated, addressing investments related to housing and cohesion policy.