The Province of Milan is the engine of the national economy, producing its own over 10% of gross domestic product, equivalent to the current GDP of Israel, with its 134 municipalities in its territory and the presence of 6% of all companies incorporated in the country (as compared to the Region of Lombardy, in the Province of Milan alone 42% of total companies registered in Lombardy are registered in the Province ): 2007 data on GDP of the Province of Milan was equivalent to 124 billion euros.
The close collaboration with local bodies gives Province of Milan a specific and detailed knowledge of its territory and, therefore, allow to be immediately effective and proactive actions to promote economic and cultural activities.
In addition, the Province of Milan has an expertise on infrostructure, roads and transportation, or otherwise holds majority stakes in companies that manage and build highways as well as in the field of environment in terms of exploitation of water resources and energy, in regarding enhancement of cultural heritage.
In summary, the Province:
gather and coordinate proposals from municipalities for economic, territorial and environmental potential develope of the region;
enter into the determination of the regional program development and other regional programs and plans in accordance with rules dictated by regional laws;
The Province also affect the general guidelines for land use and, in particular, indicates:
various destinations in the territory in relation to prevailing vocation of its parts;
the maximum localization of major infrastructure and key lines of communication, lines of action to water systems, hydrological and forestry and generally to consolidate the soil and flood control;
areas where it is appropriate to establish parks or nature reserves.