"Expanding exports to Mercosur and Asian markets is a strategic goal, but caution is advised. Italian exports currently total €623.5 billion, with the government aiming for €700 billion. This is an ambitious amount that assumes new deals with countries like India, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. International agreements do not yield instant results: the advantages are measured in the medium term, whereas the risks of imbalances are immediately obvious. Opening markets also expose us to competition with significantly cheaper production costs. In the event that regulations regarding quality, safety, and standards are not aligned, our organizations may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. According to our research center's projections, Italian exports to Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, which are presently worth €78.1 billion, might increase by €10-28 billion over the next five years, with a central scenario of +€18.4 billion, or around €96.5 billion total". So said Antonio Visconti, national president of Ficei (the federation of Italian industrial consortia).