Mediterranean countries are witnessing a process of industrial re-conversion whereby factories operated by international groups (especially in the automotive sector) are now being joined by an impressive subcontracting network that, under pressure from the need to improve product quality, has proven capable of innovating its structures. In 2007, Mediterranean countries purchased Italian machine tools worth 258.7 million euro, posting a 13.9% growth in value compared to 2006. The trend for Italian exports in the focus area of BI-MU MEDITERRANEA, inasmuch, was even more positive than results for total sales (+12.1%). 2008 also saw the market in the Mediterranean area perform very well: after extrapolating results for Turkey - where overall demand fell back significantly - Italian exports achieved growth of 12.8%.