Assolombarda is the association of companies operating in the Metropolitan City of Milan and in the provinces of Lodi, Monza and Brianza, Pavia. Approximately 7.000 firms located in the Provinces of Milan, Lodi, Monza and Brianza, Pavia are associated to Assolombarda, which is the largest territorial association of the entire entrepreneurial system in the country. Assolombarda is part of Confindustria (Italian Entrepreneurial Association). The associated firms employ more than 427.000 workers locally. The mission of the Association is to encourage the development of the local industry by promoting solidarity and cooperation among its member firms and by fostering and protecting their interests when they have to face problems related to industrial, social, economic or cultural matters.