Milan, April 25 – Vito Bardi, President of the Basilicata Region, today concluded a significant institutional visit to the Salone del Mobile in Milan. During his visit, President Bardi engaged with owners of leading companies from Basilicata’s furniture sector and top executives from Federlegno. The discussions focused on the current state of an industry that has been a manufacturing cornerstone for the region for decades.
Global Headwinds Impact Basilicata’s Furniture Sector
The furniture sector, particularly the upholstered furniture industry, is currently navigating a period of intense criticality. This is largely attributed to a confluence of international and macroeconomic factors, including geopolitical tensions, new protectionist policies from the USA, a weakening global economy, and increasing competitive pressure from Asian and Eastern European countries. These elements collectively contribute to uncertainty and a slowdown in growth, posing significant challenges to the industry’s resilience.
Despite these difficulties, President Bardi noted the sector’s strong capacity for resilience and reaction. He highlighted that the combination of artisanal mastery, premium materials, ergonomic comfort, and distinctive design of Basilicata’s products is attracting considerable attention from buyers, a fact underscored by the positive outcomes observed at the exhibition.
Regional Government Pledges Swift, Results-Oriented Interventions
In response to the sector’s struggles, the Basilicata Region is committed to implementing rapid and results-oriented measures. The aim is to prevent the current crisis from becoming structural, ensuring the long-term viability of the industry. President Bardi emphasized that companies are not seeking welfare but rather concrete tools to maintain their presence in foreign markets and alleviate financial pressure.
Key priorities identified for regional intervention include:
- Targeted incentives for export management.
- Vouchers for process innovation and production efficiency.
- Support for training initiatives.
- Strengthening social safety nets where necessary.
A central tenet of the strategy involves improving access to credit. This has become increasingly complex due to the banking system’s cautious approach, precisely when liquidity is most needed. The Region plans to activate institutional coordination tools with the Italian Banking Association (ABI) and individual banks to facilitate the financing of industrial plans.
“ItalyX” Certification and the “House of Made in Italy”
Regarding product protection, Confindustria Basilicata, represented in Milan by its President Francesco Somma, will support companies in applying for the “ItalyX” certification. This initiative aims to enhance the value of Italian excellence in diplomatic and commercial venues abroad. Furthermore, the narrative of the territory will be reinforced by the upcoming opening of the “House of Made in Italy” in Matera, further promoting Basilicata’s unique offerings.
Interregional District to Foster Collaboration and Competitiveness
In the medium term, a primary challenge involves overcoming the fragmentation within the sector. This will be addressed through the creation of a new, interregional Basilicata-Puglia District. Conceived as an operational platform rather than a mere institutional container, this District is expected to aggregate supply, increase contractual power with international buyers, and generate economies of scale through aggregated purchases of raw materials and strategic services like energy and logistics.
President Bardi concluded, “Upholstered furniture is a fundamental industrial stronghold, and the District will be meaningful if it becomes a tool to transform Basilicata’s manufacturing know-how into a powerful global competitive lever.”
Source: Agenzia stampa della Giunta Regionale
