234 
FOREIGN TRADE ZONES 
About the time of the formation of the Republic of Liguria, of 
which Genoa formed a part, in the year 1797, the bank’s affairs 
became involved and on December 29, 1799, a bill was passed author- 
izing the sale of the warehouses in the free zone, and portions of these 
buildings, or their successors, continue to this day to be held by 
private firms, 
In 1805 the Senate passed a resolution approving the incorporation 
of the Republic with the Kingdom of France, but it was stipulated, 
among other things, that the free zone of Genoa should be permitted 
to retain all its rights, privileges, and customs. After the arrange- 
ments had been completed Napoleon issued a decree discontinuing 
the Bank of Saint George and forcing it into liquidation, and this was 
followed by further decrees regulating the affairs and operations of 
the free zone, many of which rules have survived to the present time. 
Location of the free zone.—The zone is located in the southeast corner 
of the inner harbor, about 400 yards east of the foot of the Molo 
Vecchio (Old Dock). 
Dimensions and area.—The zone has an area of 21,430 square meters, 
and includes 12 warehouses, a customs section, 2 sheds, the streets 
between the warehouses, and a special warehouse used for the storage 
of edible oils and hides. The warehouses are mostly 3 and 4 stories in 
height, and the largest has a floor area of 1,960 square meters and is 
equipped with 4 elevators of 114 tons capacity each, as well as 4 
chutes. Allowing for streets, alleys, and customs section. the total 
storage floor area is 17,154 square meters. 
Berthing and rail connections.—Due to the limited water front of the 
zone there are only two berthing spaces for moderate-sized ocean- 
going vessels, most of the goods reaching the zone by means of lighters. 
This condition will, of course, be corrected when the enlarged plan for 
the zone becomes effective. 
Two railway lines connect the zone with the general railway system 
of the country, and the area lies immediately alongside of a main 
highway of the city. 
Administration.—The local Italian chamber of commerce (now 
incorporated with the Consiglio dell’Economia Provinciale controlled 
by the central Government) manages the zone, and the charges are €0 
adjusted that every effort is made to strike an even balance between 
income and operating expenses, it being considered that in this way 
trade is encouraged. The total operating expenses for the year 1926 
amounted to only 1,202,000 lire (about $60,000 United States cur- 
rency). 
Every two years a managing board of five members is elected fron 
among the members of the chamber of commerce and anyone may be 
reelected upon the expiration of his term of office. It is understood 
that they serve without salary. It is the duty of this board, acting