I have to select a company and country that interests me. I am asked to evaluate the country and select a potential market for my product(s)/service(s). I selected Italy- how do I go about choosing a potential market for my product/ service? what is your suggest?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy#Economy

Read through the Economy section to get ideas. Also the Culture section.

what it is about regional trade blocs that puts small companies in particular at a disadvantage versus multinational companies.

When choosing a potential market in Italy for your product or service, there are several steps you can follow:

1. Market research: Start by conducting thorough market research to understand the needs, preferences, and behavior of the target customers in Italy. Look for data on consumer demographics, market trends, competitors, and existing demand for similar products/services.

2. Identify target segments: Based on the research, identify specific customer segments that align with your product/service. Consider factors such as demographics, psychographics, income levels, and behavior to narrow down your target audience.

3. Analyze industry and competition: Examine the industry landscape in Italy and identify key competitors offering similar products/services. Evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, market share, pricing strategies, and distribution channels. This will help you understand your competitive advantage and potential market position in Italy.

4. Consider cultural factors: Take into account the cultural nuances and preferences specific to Italy. There may be unique consumer behaviors, language preferences, or cultural sensitivities that you need to consider when positioning your product/service in the market.

5. Assess market potential: Evaluate the market potential for your product/service in Italy by analyzing the size of the target market, its growth rate, and the potential demand. Consider economic factors, consumer spending patterns, and market forecasts to gauge the opportunities and challenges.

6. Develop a marketing strategy: Based on your analysis, develop a comprehensive marketing strategy tailored to your target market in Italy. This should include product positioning, pricing strategy, distribution channels, promotional activities, and customer acquisition methods.

7. Test and iterate: Before fully launching your product/service in Italy, consider conducting small-scale tests or pilot projects to gather feedback and refine your offering based on actual customer responses.

Remember, market evaluation and selection is an iterative process, and it's important to gather data, analyze insights, and adapt your approach based on the market feedback you receive.