Romes department of commerce is about to sign an agreement with the foreign traders of the Esquilino area that will guarantee the translation of shop signs into Italian. The Esquilino is an area of Rome where there are a large number of Chinese, Indian and Bangladeshi businesses. At present many of the premises have writing only in characters, rather than letters, above their doors so most Italians do not understand what the shops are selling.

The agreement has been translated into English and Chinese, and the foreign traders must come into line with the new rules within 60 days of the signing them. However foreign businesses in other areas of the city will have six months to comply.