The 14th National Report on the Maritime Economy was presented in Rome, highlighting the strength of Italy's Blue Economy. With 253,599 businesses and 1,133,949 employees, the sector generates €78.9 billion in direct added value. When its wider economic impact is taken into account, this rises to €224.9 billion, equivalent to 11.4% of Italy's GDP. The sector is growing faster than the national economy as a whole. Direct added value increased by 3.8%, compared with 2.1% for the overall economy, while employment rose by 4.2%, nearly three times the national average. Every euro generated by the maritime economy creates an additional €1.80 elsewhere in the economy. Southern Italy continues to account for the largest share of the sector, generating 34.2% of total added value and nearly 40% of employment. Liguria has the highest regional concentration of maritime activity, with the sector accounting for 14.4% of its local economy, while the provinces of Trieste (21.4%), Livorno (19.4%), La Spezia and Genoa stand out for their particularly strong maritime economies. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said the Blue Economy is no longer a niche sector but a key driver of industrial growth and employment for both Italy and Europe.