Amid fears that an escalating trade war between the United States and China could crimp global economic growth, president Sergio Mattarella warned on Thursday that protectionism will harm Italy's companies.
"The quality of Italian companies, their ability to succeed in international markets and insert themselves in the global value chain depends on an open and integrated world," Mattarella said.
"The slowing of the international trade cycle, signs of further tensions and protectionist measures, run the risk of weighing on confidence," Mattarella went on.
He made the remarks in an address to the general assembly of Lombardy business association Assolombarda.