World Report

The province of Forlì-Cesena is putting parochialism in the past and thinking global

PIERO GALLINA
President of the Province of Forlì-Cesena

‘A mix of agriculture, tourism and thousands of companies’

FRANCO RUSTICALI
Mayor of Forlì

‘Our strategy has been to develop the city’s key areas’

MASSIMO BUCCI
President of Seaf

‘The UK is a very important market, for us’

SERGIO MAZZI
President of the Forlì-Cesena Chamber of Commerce

‘We are helping firms grow and face the global market’

recent survey judging Italy’s 103 provinces by criteria such as their economy, local services and quality of life placed Forlì-Cesena first in Emilia Romagna and tenth nationally.

Piero Gallina, President of the province, attributes its success to economic diversity. “The mix of agriculture, tourism and thousands of companies in varied sectors is our strength,” he declares.

Franco Rusticali, Mayor of the city of Forlì, says: “Our economy is alive and dynamic. Our GDP is two points above the national average and the employment growth rate is first in Italy.”

Renovation of the historical heritage of the city, and major additions and improvements to the local infrastructure, are designed to boost tourism and bring the province closer to the rest of Italy and Europe.

Recent development has focused on the university, technological, scientific and training activities, a new hospital, new art gallery and the road bypass system. A recently opened transport logistic centre is rationalising the use of transport vehicles in the city and reducing pollution.

“Our strategy is focused on developing the city’s key areas,” explains Dr Rusticali. “Year after year, we seek to consolidate and innovate.”

Major improvements are planned for Forlì’s Luigi Ridolfi Airport, with £10 million to be spent on terminal facilities and car parking. Massimo Bucci, President of SEAF, the company handling structures and services at the airport, points out that Ryanair now connects the province with the UK twice a day. “This is a very important market for us,” says Mr Bucci, who also heads Confindustria Emilia Romagna.

Daniele Mambelli, President of SAPRO, the society for the development of productive activity in Forlì-Cesena, says the province has been working to equip itself with a package of advantages. “The door is open to companies who wish to invest.”

Sergio Mazzi, President of the Chamber of Commerce, declares: “We are promoting a culture of quality and helping firms grow to face the global market.”