DOCSLIB.ORG

2016 Country Commercial Guide for US Companies

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
2016 Country Commercial Guide for US Companies Doing Business in Italy: 2016 Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES. Table of Contents Doing Business in Italy .......................................................................................................................5 Market Overview ...........................................................................................................................5 Market Challenges .........................................................................................................................6 Market Opportunities.....................................................................................................................6 Market Entry Strategy ....................................................................................................................6 Political and Economic Environment ...................................................................................................8 Political Environment .....................................................................................................................8 Selling US Products & Services ............................................................................................................9 Using an Agent to Sell US Products and Services ..............................................................................9 Establishing an Office ................................................................................................................... 10 Franchising ................................................................................................................................... 10 Direct Marketing .......................................................................................................................... 12 Joint Ventures/Licensing .............................................................................................................. 14 Selling to the Government ............................................................................................................ 14 Distribution & Sales Channels ....................................................................................................... 16 Express Delivery ........................................................................................................................... 16 Selling Factors & Techniques ........................................................................................................ 17 eCommerce .................................................................................................................................. 17 Trade Promotion & Advertising .................................................................................................... 23 Pricing .......................................................................................................................................... 27 Sales Service/Customer Support ................................................................................................... 28 1 Due Diligence ............................................................................................................................... 29 Local Professional Services ........................................................................................................... 29 Principle Business Associations: .................................................................................................... 30 Limitations on Selling US Products and Services ............................................................................ 30 Selling U.S. Products and Services Web Resources ......................................................................... 31 Trade Regulations, Customs, & Standards ......................................................................................... 34 Import Tariff ................................................................................................................................ 34 Trade Barriers .............................................................................................................................. 34 Import Requirements & Documentation ....................................................................................... 34 U.S. Export Controls ..................................................................................................................... 39 Temporary Entry .......................................................................................................................... 40 Labeling/Marking Requirements ................................................................................................... 42 Prohibited and Restricted Imports ................................................................................................ 59 Customs Regulations .................................................................................................................... 60 Trade Standards ........................................................................................................................... 60 Trade Agreements ........................................................................................................................ 65 Licensing Requirements for Professional Services .......................................................................... 65 Trade Regulation Web Resources .................................................................................................. 66 Investment Climate Statement ......................................................................................................... 69 Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 69 Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment ............................................................. 70 Conversion and Transfer Policies .................................................................................................. 71 Expropriation and Compensation .................................................................................................. 72 Dispute Settlement ...................................................................................................................... 72 Performance Requirements and Investment Incentives ................................................................. 73 Limits on Foreign Control .............................................................................................................. 75 Protection of Property Rights ....................................................................................................... 75 Transparency of the Regulatory System ........................................................................................ 77 Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment ....................................................................... 78 Competition from State-Owned Enterprises .................................................................................. 80 Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) ............................................................................................. 82 2 Political Violence .......................................................................................................................... 83 Corruption ................................................................................................................................... 83 Bilateral Investment Agreements .................................................................................................. 87 OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs ........................................................................... 88 Labor ........................................................................................................................................... 88 Foreign Trade Zones/Free Ports/Trade Facilitation ........................................................................ 91 Foreign Direct Investment and Foreign Portfolio Investment Statistics ........................................... 91 Contact for More Information....................................................................................................... 93 Trade & Project Financing ................................................................................................................ 94 Methods of Payment .................................................................................................................... 94 Banking Systems .......................................................................................................................... 94 Foreign Exchange Controls ............................................................................................................ 95 US Banks & Local Correspondent Banks ........................................................................................... 95 Project Financing .......................................................................................................................... 95 Web Resources ............................................................................................................................ 98 Business Travel .............................................................................................................................. 100 Business Customs ......................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Premier Power Renewable En
    Coverage Initiation United States, Europe, Asia Report Renewable Energy – Solar EPC October 25, 2011 Premier Power Renewable En. (PPRW – OTCQB) Brian R. Connell, CFA PPRW is Focused On Pricing Power and Competitiveness Strong Senior Research Analyst through Product Differentiation, and on Margin Expansion [email protected] through Cost Control and Project Risk Assessment. PPRW Speculative Shares Trade at Unreasonably Low Multiples at this Time. Buy Recent Price: US$0.32 Summary and Investment Opportunity Market Data (closing prices, October 24, 2011) • Solar Energy Construction is Strong Internationally and Strengthening in the U.S. Market Capitalization (mln) 9.6 The demand for renewable energy sources such as solar power has been growing on a global Enterprise Value (mln) 42.2 basis for many years – a situation which has intensified with higher oil prices and a rapidly Basic Shares Outstanding (mln) 29.9 industrializing second and third world. In parallel, solar technology has become more and more Fully Diluted Shares (mln) 29.9 Avg. Volume (90 day, approx.) 3,889 cost-competitive, as solar cell production costs have fallen and solar technology has improved. Institutional Ownership (approx.) 41.5% Overall, these factors have led to a steadily improving market for new solar electricity plants, and Insider Ownership 10.2% further strengthening is nearly certain both in the U.S. and abroad. Exchange OTCQB • Premier Power Is ISO 9001 Certified and Provides High Performance Solar Plants Premier Power’s engineers have deep experience in all aspects of solar plant planning and Balance Sheet Data (as of June 30, 2011) construction, and over the years have accumulated an understanding of many of the factors that Shareholders’ Equity (mln) 10,897 lead to superior operating performance.
    [Show full text]
  • Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transitions for Countries with Different Climates and Renewable Energy Sources Potentials
    energies Article Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transitions for Countries with Different Climates and Renewable Energy Sources Potentials Haichao Wang 1,2, Giulia Di Pietro 3, Xiaozhou Wu 1,*, Risto Lahdelma 2, Vittorio Verda 3 and Ilkka Haavisto 4 1 Institute of Building Environment and Facility Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; [email protected] or haichao.wang@aalto.fi 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aalto University School of Engineering, P.O. BOX 14100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland; risto.lahdelma@aalto.fi 3 Dipartimento Energia, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 2, 10129 Torino, Italy; [email protected] (G.D.P.); [email protected] (V.V.) 4 Condens Heat Recovery Oy, Puhelinkatu 12, 13110 Hämeenlinna, Finland; ilkka.haavisto@condens.fi * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 21 September 2018; Accepted: 10 December 2018; Published: 18 December 2018 Abstract: Renewable energy sources (RES) are playing an increasingly important role in energy markets around the world. It is necessary to evaluate the benefits from a higher level of RES integration with respect to a more active cross-border transmission system. In particular, this paper focuses on the sustainable energy transitions for Finland and Italy, since they have two extreme climate conditions in Europe and quite different profiles in terms of energy production and demand. We developed a comprehensive energy system model using EnergyPLAN with hourly resolution for a reference year for both countries. The models include electricity, heat and transportation sectors. According to the current base models, new scenarios reflecting an RES increase in total fuel consumption have been proposed.
    [Show full text]
  • Level 3 Geography (91429) 2019
    91429R 3 Level 3 Geography, 2019 91429 Demonstrate understanding of a given environment(s) through selection and application of geographic concepts and skills 9.30 a.m. Tuesday 19 November 2019 Credits: Four RESOURCE BOOKLET Refer to this booklet to answer the questions for Geography 91429. Check that this booklet has pages 2–15 in the correct order and that none of these pages is blank. YOU MAY KEEP THIS BOOKLET AT THE END OF THE EXAMINATION. © New Zealand Qualifications Authority, 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the prior permission of the New Zealand QualificationsAuthority. 2 RELEVANT GEOGRAPHIC CONCEPTS Environments Environments may be natural and / or cultural. They have particular characteristics and features, which can be the result of natural and / or cultural processes. The particular characteristics of an environment may be similar to and / or different from another. A cultural environment includes people and / or the built environment. Perspectives Perspectives are ways of seeing the world that help explain differences in decisions about, responses to, and interactions with, environments. Perspectives are bodies of thought, theories, or world views that shape people’s values and have built up over time. They involve people’s perceptions (how they view and interpret environments) and viewpoints (what they think) about geographic issues. Perceptions and viewpoints are influenced by people’s values (deeply held beliefs about what is important or desirable). Processes Processes are a sequence of actions, natural and / or cultural, that shape and change environments, places, and societies. Some examples of geographic processes include erosion, migration, desertification, and globalisation.
    [Show full text]
  • Reorientation
    Markets & Trends Photo: Europressedienst Photo: Large crowds were waiting at the gates of the Fiera Milano, but not necessarily because of Solarexpo. Other trade shows that took place at the venue at the same time attracted more visitors than the solar exhibition. Reorientation Italy: The phaseout of the renewable energy law and the prospect of tariffs on solar imports raised concerns in Italy. The visitors of Solarexpo had lots to talk about. The first impression can be mislead- icantly less customers, but also top class ators of small rooftop systems continue ing. The long queues at the entrance of contacts,” commented the marketing to benefit from the incentive without an Solarexpo, which took place in Milan in director of a leading solar manufacturer. entry in the register. Nevertheless, these May, mainly consisted of visitors of the The boom years when major investment smaller PV plants are also part of the bud- Grafitalia/Converflex trade shows at the promised high returns of over 20% and get made available by the Italian govern- same venue. Only about 400 companies drew crowds of investors seem long over. ment for the promotion of solar power. presented their products and innovations Small, down to earth business is becom- In May, GSE’s official counter already at Solarexpo – after more than 1,000 had ing the driving force, also as a result of stood at €6.637 billion and the energy come to Solarexpo 2012 in Verona. Ital- the expiring Conto Energia V. authority decided to limit the second reg- ian companies in particular wrestled According to the Italian energy agency ister to €70.46 million.
    [Show full text]
  • Growthwith Pureenergy
    grOWtH WitH Pure energy tHe WOrlD Has an insa- tiable aPPetite fOr Pure energy. thIS oFFerS huge opportunItIeS For StatKraFt. WE HAVE AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR FURTHER GROWTH IN NORWAY,THE REST OF EUROPE AND IN SELECTED MarketS outSIDe europe. cover photo: leIrDØla poWer plant IS loCateD In luSter, SoGn- oG fJorDane, JuSt SoutH of tHe JoSteDal GlaCIer. tHe poWer plant alSo SerVeS aS Statkraft’S reGIonal HeaDQuarterS for reGIon Central norWaY. GooGle MapS: reproDuCeD WItH perMISSIon contentS: 01 preSIdent and ceo BÅrd mIKKelSen ”Profitable growth within environmentally friendly energy” 06 StatKraFt’S SegmentS 20 report oF the Board oF dIrectorS ”Europe’s largest renewable energy company” 31 management report Market and business conditions 32 Group strategy 36 Financial performance 38 Risk management and internal control 42 Business management 44 Segment information 48 Sustainable value creation 58 65 FInancIal StatementS Statkraft Statkraft AS Group Income Statement 106 66 Balance Sheet 107 67 Statement of Cash Flow 108 68 Statement of Changes in Equity 69 Accounting Policies 109 Notes 110 70 Auditor’s Report 117 117 118 SuStaInaBIlIty StatementS Sustainability Statement 118 GRI index 126 About the Sustainability Statement 128 Auditor’s Statement 129 130 aBout the group Group management 130 Organisation, financial calendar 131 financial key figures UNIT OF adjUsTed** adjUsTed** adjUsTed** adjUsTed** Statkraft aS group measUremeNT 2008 2008 2007 2007 2006 2006 2005 2005 From the Income Statement Gross operating revenues NOK mill. 25 061 25 061 17 619 17 619 16 200 16 200 14 015 15 021 Net operating revenues NOK mill. 19 319 23 601 14 000 13 261 14 970 16 945 -- – of which unrealised changes in values and non-recurring items NOK mill.
    [Show full text]
  • Consolidated Non-Financial Statement Drawn up Pursuant to Italian Leg
    CONSOLIDATED NON-FINANCIAL STATEMENT DRAWN UP PURSUANT TO ITALIAN LEG. DECREE 254/2016 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2018 This report has been translated into the English language solely for the convenience of international readers. CONTENTS LETTER TO THE STAKEHOLDERS 4 ERG AND SUSTAINABILITY Our history: 1938-2018 6 ERG in 2018 8 At the heart of energy for the past 80 years 10 2018-2022 Business Plan 14 80 years of ERG 17 The Governance of sustainability 20 ERG’s certifications in 2018 23 Dialogue with our Stakeholders 26 Methodological note 38 Our sustainability commitments 42 GOVERNANCE The Group’s Corporate Governance 49 The GDPR project for the protection of privacy 60 Enterprise risk management 61 1 ERG Group’s anti-corruption system 68 ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILITY Economic value generated and distributed 74 Key economic indicators 75 ERG Group’s plants 77 2 ONE Company 78 Management of wind farms 80 Lengthening life... is possible! 84 New technologies for better work 86 Training at the basis of our work methods 87 Analysis of significant events during the year 91 Management of hydroelectric plants 92 Predictive maintenance in hydro 94 Management of the thermoelectric plant 95 Management of environmental markets 99 ERG and open innovation 101 Our suppliers 103 ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY The european and global approach to climate change 110 CO2 avoided: 2018-2022 121 The reduction of CO2 emissions 122 3 Atmospheric emissions: a sustainable and reliable commitment 126 Water savings to improve efficiency 127 Environmental management of hydroelectric
    [Show full text]
  • Wind Power a Victim of Policy and Politics
    NNoottee ddee ll’’IIffrrii Wind Power A Victim of Policy and Politics ______________________________________________________________________ Maïté Jauréguy-Naudin October 2010 . Gouvernance européenne et géopolitique de l’énergie The Institut français des relations internationales (Ifri) is a research center and a forum for debate on major international political and economic issues. Headed by Thierry de Montbrial since its founding in 1979, Ifri is a non- governmental and a non-profit organization. As an independent think tank, Ifri sets its own research agenda, publishing its findings regularly for a global audience. Using an interdisciplinary approach, Ifri brings together political and economic decision-makers, researchers and internationally renowned experts to animate its debate and research activities. With offices in Paris and Brussels, Ifri stands out as one of the rare French think tanks to have positioned itself at the very heart of European debate. The opinions expressed in this text are the responsibility of the author alone. ISBN: 978-2-86592-780-7 © All rights reserved, Ifri, 2010 IFRI IFRI-BRUXELLES 27, RUE DE LA PROCESSION RUE MARIE-THERESE, 21 75740 PARIS CEDEX 15 – FRANCE 1000 – BRUXELLES – BELGIQUE Tel: +33 (0)1 40 61 60 00 Tel: +32 (0)2 238 51 10 Fax: +33 (0)1 40 61 60 60 Fax: +32 (0)2 238 51 15 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] WEBSITE: Ifri.org Executive Summary In December 2008, as part of the fight against climate change, the European Union adopted the Energy and Climate package that endorsed three objectives toward 2020: a 20% increase in energy efficiency, a 20% reduction in GHG emissions (compared to 1990), and a 20% share of renewables in final energy consumption.
    [Show full text]
  • Q4/07 Statkraft Sf Interim- Report
    Q4/07 STATKRAFT SF INTERIM- REPORT Key figures Q4 The year STATKRAFT SF GROUP Unit 2007 2006 2007 2006 Gross operating revenues NOK mill. 6 741 3 891 17 950 16 379 Net operating revenues NOK mill. 4 944 6 946 13 583 17 125 - of which unrealised changes in value NOK mill. -135 3 378 -739 1 975 EBITDA NOK mill. 3 541 5 876 9 056 13 423 Operating result NOK mill. 3 059 5 490 7 400 11 914 Share of income from associated companies NOK mill. 726 1 437 2 652 2 054 - of which unrealised changes in value NOK mill. 114 89 411 269 Net financial items NOK mill. -902 -548 -1 243 -2 390 - of which unrealised changes in value NOK mill. -452 -135 230 -1 131 Profit before tax NOK mill. 2 885 6 379 8 809 11 578 Profit after tax NOK mill. 2 572 4 845 6 772 7 791 EBITDA% 1) % 54,5 65,4 54,6 70,2 Net changes in cash flow from operating activities NOK mill. 276 -1 199 6 171 6 392 Cash and cash equivalents NOK mill. 3 344 1 880 Assets NOK mill. 110 292 103 641 Interest-bearing debt ratio % 49,0 45,1 Average spot price NOK/MWh 338 370 224 391 Production, volume sold TWh 14,7 9,5 44,9 45,6 Full-time jobs (equivalents) No. 2 287 2 087 1) Adjusted for unrealised changes in value Contents Highlights in 2007........................................................... 2 Statkraft SF’s business.................................................... 4 Statkraft SF Group Interim Financial Statements...........
    [Show full text]
  • Over the Past Few Years, There Has Been a Sharp Expansion in the End
    High Resolution Non-hydrostatic Numerical Simulations for Wind Energy Assessment over Libya. A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of (MMaster of Science) By IBRAHIM S. M. ALHAWARI School of Mathematics and Statistics Faculty of Science University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia August 2009 THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: ALHAWARI First name: IBRAHIM S. M. Other name/s: Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: MSc School: Mathematics and Statistics Faculty: Science Title: High Resolution Non-hydrostatic Numerical Simulations for Wind Energy Assessment over Libya. Abstract 350 words maximum This research is aimed at understanding the national wind energy resource of Libya to examine the viability of obtaining wind-generated electricity in the country. High-resolution regional wind observations in Libya are not sufficient for wind resource assessments throughout the country. To overcome such a barrier, the wind conditions have been estimated utilising high-resolution 3-D nested numerical simulations by the Non-hydrostatic Mesoscale Model of the Weather Research and Forecasting system (WRF-NMM). Analysis 2007 data from the Global Forecast System (GFS) were used as initial conditions whereas the boundary conditions came from a combination of GFS analysis and forecast data, in all runs. The coarse domain had a horizontal resolution of 15 km and a temporal resolution of 30 seconds while the fine domain had a horizontal resolution of 5 km and a temporal resolution of 10 seconds. 365 successive nested simulations were performed to produce hourly wind velocity data at 10 m above the ground along with at model sigma levels for both domains for the entire year.
    [Show full text]
  • Ento Di Economia E Finanza
    Dipartimento di Economia e Finanza Cattedra: European Economic History and Policies HORIZON 20-20-20 ASSESSMENT OF THE ITALIAN CONDITION: FOCUS ON RES – E Relatore: Prof. Carlo Viviani Candidato: Alessandro Michelangelo Castiello D’Antonio Matricola: 157801 Anno Accademico: 2011/2012 1 Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................ 3 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 4 2. - 20% Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...................................................................... 8 3. + 20% Energy Efficiency ................................................................................... 16 4. + 20% Renewable Energy Sources ................................................................... 22 4.1 Traditional Energy Sources .............................................................................. 26 4.1.1 Hydropower...................................................................................................... 26 4.1.2 Biomass ............................................................................................................ 29 4.2 New Renewable Energy Sources ....................................................................... 35 4.2.1 Wind Power ....................................................................................................... 35 4.2.2 Solar Power ......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report Etrion Corporation
    2016 2016 Annual EtrionAnnual Report Report Corporation CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S LETTER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S LETTER 2 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION 6 Management’s Discussion and Analysis 6 Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Forward-Looking Statements 6 Operational Highlights 7 Financial Highlights 7 BUSINESS REVIEW 8 Business Overview 8 Operation Review 10 Development Activities 15 Solar Market Overview 17 FINANCIAL REVIEW 19 Financial Results 19 Financial Position 25 Capital Investments 27 Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 28 Related Parties 29 Financial Risk Management 29 Derivative Financial Instruments 30 RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 30 Financial Risks 30 Non-Financial Risks 30 ETRION OUTLOOK AND GUIDANCE 31 DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 32 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION 34 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 34 AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 35 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 37 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 38 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 39 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW 40 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 41 9 2 109 MW 9 solar ower lants 2 countries 109 MW o installed solar caacity 17 MW 45 + 200 MW 174,600 MWh 17 MW under construction 45 MW as acklog and roduced 174 million in aan 200 MW as ieline k in 6 develoment in aan This is Etrion Etrion is an independent power producer that develops, builds, owns and operates utility-scale solar power generation plants. Etrion is a solar platform with a proven track record operating assets in Japan and Chile. The Company has gross installed solar capacity of 109 MW plus 17 MW under construction or pre-construction, 45 MW of backlog projects and 200 MW of additional pipeline.
    [Show full text]
  • Market Design for a High-Renewables European Electricity System
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Apollo Market design for a high-renewables European electricity system David Newberya, Michael G. Pollitta, Robert A. Ritza,*, Wadim Strielkowskia a Energy Policy Research Group (EPRG), Judge Business School & Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1AG, United Kingdom This version: April 2018 Abstract This paper presents a set of policy recommendations for the market design of a future European electricity system characterized by a dominant share of renewable energy supply (RES), in line with the stated targets of European governments. We discuss the market failures that need to be addressed to accommodate RES in liberalized electricity markets, review the evolution of the EU’s RES policy mechanisms, and summarize the key market impacts of variable RES to date. We then set out economic principles for wholesale market design and use these to develop our policy recommendations. Our analysis covers the value of interconnection and market integration, electricity storage, the design of RES support mechanisms, distributed generation and network tariffs, the pricing of electricity and flexibility as well as long-term contracting and risk management. Keywords: Electricity markets, wholesale market design, renewable energy, interconnection, electricity storage, long-term contracts, capacity markets JEL Classifications: H23, L94, Q28, Q48 *Corresponding author. E-mail addresses: [email protected] (D. Newbery), [email protected]
    [Show full text]