The city of Prato, located in Tuscany, Italy, has long been a key player in the European textile industry. While it's not China, Prato is home to thousands of small factories, many of which are owned by Chinese entrepreneurs. These businesses produce garments for well-known international brands like Zara and H&M. However, in recent years, the situation has become more complicated due to economic pressures and increased scrutiny from local authorities.
In 2008, the global financial crisis hit hard, leading to a sharp decline in business for many factories. This was followed by a wave of police raids targeting Chinese-owned clothing factories in Prato. These operations have made life harder for both Chinese business owners and local immigrants, as workers face harsh conditions and legal challenges.
Recently, local police conducted a raid on one of the Chinese-run factories, claiming that several workers were living illegally on-site, and that the building was unsafe and lacked proper sanitation. The police announced they would remove workers, seize goods, and possibly shut down the factory. Despite this, the factory director denied any wrongdoing, stating that everything was done according to Italian regulations. She added that business had been tough since 2008, with fewer orders, but she still paid rent and felt the police actions were making things worse.
According to reports, many Chinese-owned factories import materials at a fraction of the cost compared to local suppliers—up to ten times cheaper. Chinese workers handle the entire production process, and once finished, the clothes are labeled "Made in Italy" before being sold. A simple skirt can be sold for around 5 Euros (about HK$51), while a coat might go for 10 Euros (around HK$102). These products are then shipped daily to Eastern and Northern Europe.
Last year, Jenny, a former garment factory owner, was elected mayor of Prato. She promised to reduce the influence of Chinese businessmen in the local textile sector and to crack down on criminal activities linked to the community. Since taking office, police have intensified their operations in Chinatown, investigating gangs, human trafficking, and other illegal activities.
Local authorities believe that many Chinese immigrants have become involved in organized crime. Some claim that Chinese workers are overworked, often working 18 hours a day in poor conditions without contracts. However, others argue that these businesses help revitalize the local garment industry. An official from the Chinese community in Italy criticized the police actions, calling them excessive. He noted that while there are issues, it's not a war, and the use of helicopters during raids was unnecessary and over-the-top.
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