On November 13, 2025, the Cagliari Free Zone (CFZ) took part in an exclusive investment meeting hosted by K&L Gates in Milan and co-organized by BLegal of the lawyer Nicola Ibba, together with the Sardinia Regional Government’s Centre for Regional Programming (CRP).
The event gathered senior representatives from major international funds and asset management companies including Barings, Hines, DWS, UBS, Invesco, Pimco, Europa Investimenti, and Apex Group, as well as leading legal and financial advisors.
During the session, CFZ introduced its unique position as the only active Customs Free Zone in Sardinia, strategically located within the Port of Cagliari.
The presentation highlighted the zone’s extra-territorial customs regime, integration with the Sardinia ZES (Special Economic Zone), and new business models for industrial, energy, and logistics investment in the Mediterranean.
Several key topics drew strong interest from the participants:
- How the ZES and CFZ frameworks can work together to attract industrial and energy investments.
- Legal and fiscal models for SPV, branch or joint venture structures.
- Simplified customs procedures and fast-track onboarding for international companies.
- New opportunities in green energy, hydrogen, cold ironing and circular economy industries.
Particular attention came from Apex Group, expressing operational interest on behalf of clients working in rare earth elements and precious metals refining.
Strategic proposals emerged from the discussion
Participants and advisors proposed several initiatives to further strengthen Sardinia’s position as an international investment hub:
- Organization of a “Sardinia Investors Day” to be held on-site in 2026.
- A benchmark study comparing CFZ with other Mediterranean Free Zones.
- Development of modular “easy-to-start” facilities for rapid business setup.
- Support for the CFZ One-Stop-Shop Onboarding Program, seen as a key advantage for investors.
- Establishment of a working relationship with maritime logistics operators to promote CFZ to their industrial clients.
Next steps
CFZ will now launch a follow-up phase including:
- One-to-one meetings with interested investors.
- Coordination with K&L Gates on legal structuring for SPV and JV models.
- Planning of the Sardinia Investors Day 2026 together with the CRP.
- Launch of the CFZ Discovery Program, offering site visits and tailored technical briefings for potential investors.
A growing international network
The Milan event marked a significant milestone in positioning the Cagliari Free Zone as a credible and competitive investment gateway in the Mediterranean.
With growing international attention and concrete next steps, CFZ is building an ecosystem that connects industrial innovation, sustainable logistics, and global capital — from Sardinia to the world.
Contact our Investor Desk:
📩 m.battelli@cagliarifree.zone
🌐 www.cagliarifree.zone