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Business News Agency, September 14th
The New York Times reported on September 12 that an increasing number of Chinese immigrants in Prato, Italy—often referred to as the "European textile center"—are not only reshaping the local high-end textile industry under the label of "Made in China," but also creating a range of social challenges that have strained relations between the Chinese community and local authorities.
Prato, known for its high-quality fashion manufacturing, has seen a dramatic shift in recent years due to the influx of Chinese laborers. Since the late 1980s, the arrival of Chinese migrants began as a small wave, but it soon grew into a large-scale migration, with tens of thousands arriving, many of whom are undocumented. Today, Prato is home to one of the largest Chinese communities in Europe.
According to the report, this surge has led to concerns that the once-revered "European textile center" is being transformed into a hub for low-cost garment production. Local businesses have expressed frustration over the Chinese community's "unfair practices," such as tax evasion and operating outside of legal frameworks, which have allowed their enterprises to thrive at the expense of traditional Italian firms. This has led to growing resentment among locals, who now view both Chinese immigrants and the broader economy with suspicion.
The report also highlights that Chinese businesses in Prato are quietly transferring up to $1.5 million back to China daily through the clothing and textile trade. However, these transactions are often unrecorded in local tax systems, raising questions about economic transparency. Some officials have criticized the Chinese for repatriating profits instead of reinvesting them locally, which could help sustain the region’s economy.
In addition, the article accuses some members of the Chinese community of involvement in criminal activities, including illegal textile imports, human trafficking, and money laundering. These allegations have heightened tensions between Chinese residents and local authorities, especially as crackdowns on illegal labor practices intensify.
Despite these challenges, many Italian politicians have praised the positive contributions of the Chinese community to Prato’s development. They acknowledge the successful integration of Chinese individuals into Italian society and hope they will continue to play a key role in strengthening Sino-Italian relations. Local media also note that the rapid growth of Chinese-owned businesses in Prato is likely to boost the regional economy and reinforce the city’s position as a major player in the European textile market.