Urban Desertification: The Padua Chamber of Commerce Launches Observatory

Work has begun on the new Observatory of Commercial Activities in the Padua area, an organization established by the Padua Chamber of Commerce with the participation of trade associations.

The first meeting of the working group, established to combat the desertification of urban spaces, was held on Wednesday, November 5th, at the Chamber of Commerce headquarters. This is linked to changing consumer habits and rising rents, resulting in the abandonment of independent shops. This phenomenon affects many cities and is also affecting the urban centers of Padua and other municipalities in the area, as repeatedly reported by trade associations. The objectives of the Observatory (established for at least three years) include analyzing the local socioeconomic dynamics related to commerce, gathering ideas to incorporate into the Chamber's activities program with the aim of encouraging commerce and local crafts, and establishing networks between local merchants and artisans, associations, institutions, and citizens.

Ascom Padova, Confesercenti Veneto Centrale, Cna Padova e Rovigo, and Confartigianato Imprese Padova are the trade associations represented on the nine-member committee. Ilario Sattin, president of the street vendors of Fiva Ascom Padova, has been appointed president. The first meeting was inaugurated by the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Antonio Santocono, and the Secretary General, Roberto Crosta, who offered their opening remarks. The meeting provided an opportunity to focus on the issues facing Padua's commerce and compare differing perspectives, an analysis that will form the basis for planning future initiatives.

The committee will meet again in mid-January for a session that will provide an opportunity to analyze the statistical data collected and the ideas of the various trade associations and their representatives.