By Francesco Isgro

10.11.07 ~ Emma Marcegaglia, head of Confindustria, Italy's powerful  business confederation, was  in Washington DC this week  meeting with various federal government officials and the head of the National Association of Manufacturers,. She spoke on Tuesday at the Brookings Institute on the transAtlantic economy in the post-crisis environment, focusing her remarks on the Italian private sector. Marcegaglia noted that the manufacturing sector is the pillar of the Italian economy and that Italian companies are well positioned to produce good products. However, strong and deep reforms are needed in Italy, she said, particularly in the regulatory area, including the need for flexibility in the labor market.  More money should be spent in research and innovation, key factors required in order to be more competitive.

Marcegaglia stressed the need for global governance, noting that much needs to be done, and expressed Confindustria's concern about government attempts to restrict access to markets.

When asked by a member of the audience about the future of the Berlusconi government, in light of the impending confidence vote scheduled for December 14, Marcegaglia declined to make any prediction but noted that the possibility exists of a last-minute deal to resolve the crisis.

Founded 100 years ago,  Confindustria represents nearly 150,000 Italian manufacturing and services companies and more than 5 million employees. Marcegaglia is the first woman to chair the organization.  She is also managing director of Marcegaglia S.p.A, a world leader in steel processing, president of Mita Resort and president of the Arete Onlus Foundation.

(Pictured above Emma Marcegaglia; belown Michael Calingaert of the Council for the United States and Italy, Emma Marcegaglia)

| Photos by Francesco Isgro | CiaoAmerica.net|