REPORTAGE
The toll of the coronavirus epidemic is increasing in Italy, making it the most affected European country. The death toll rose to ten after the death of three elderly people on Tuesday evening. Beyond the health situation, the economic aspect is also of great concern on our side of the Alps. Hundreds of Italian companies are located in the Rhône-Alpes region. Italy is the third largest foreign market in the region. And these companies are very worried.
>> Watch Matthieu Belliard's morning show in replay and in podcast here
"French manufacturers do not export products because they are afraid"
Mauro Vittorini had his phone glued to his ear all day. With the coronavirus epidemic, the CEO of Hic Aciers is worried about the health of his associated companies. He buys 15,000 tonnes of metal a year in northern Italy. "There is complete concern because no one knows what to do in the coming months," he said.
The business manager has just received an email from a colleague at ArcelorMittal who particularly worries him. "There are rumors of health checks at the borders," he is told. Only rumors, but it reveals the mood for Annibale Fracasso, from the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Lyon. After China, Italy becomes the country to avoid. "French manufacturers do not export products because they are afraid that their truck and their staff will go to Italy and come back with the viral problem or remain stranded there."
A culinary festival in Burgundy is already on hold, he warns. Just like, and it is symbolic, the presence of Italy and its region at the World Tourism Fair in Paris next week.