by InTrieste
The region of Friuli Venezia Giulia has cemented an increasingly robust partnership with the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), following more than a year of joint initiatives aimed at bolstering connections between Italy and the United States. Officials from the region, including Governor Massimiliano Fedriga and Regional Councillor for Productive Activities, Sergio Emidio Bini, met recently with NIAF President Robert Allegrini in Washington, D.C., to reflect on the successes of the past year and plan for future collaborations.
Speaking after the meeting, Fedriga emphasized that the partnership with NIAF has “led to a strong relationship that will continue in the future” and has provided significant momentum in efforts to deepen economic, cultural, and educational exchanges. Friuli Venezia Giulia was honored as NIAF’s Region of Honor for 2024, a title now passed to Lazio, but Fedriga assured that the ties built through “consistent initiatives and contacts have created a solid, lasting partnership” that will endure well beyond the designation.
A Year of Growth and Exchange
Since the partnership began, Friuli Venezia Giulia has made strides in promoting its regional strengths to American audiences. Working with NIAF has paved the way for high-level connections with key U.S. institutions, as well as several trade missions focused on promoting Friulian products in the American market. With Vinitaly USA as one highlight, the region showcased its wines and culinary products at industry fairs across the U.S., introducing American consumers and industry stakeholders to Friulian specialties.
The region’s appeal among American travelers has grown as well. “Our initiatives have seen success on many fronts,” Fedriga noted, pointing to data from Booking.com indicating a notable increase in travel interest to Friuli Venezia Giulia. NIAF’s cultural outreach program included welcoming delegations of young Italian Americans, offering them an immersion into their heritage. Fedriga expressed confidence that these visitors “will become excellent ambassadors for Friuli Venezia Giulia overseas.”
Strengthening Economic and Institutional Ties
Through the NIAF partnership, Friuli Venezia Giulia has also strengthened ties with numerous American organizations, including the Italian-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). The region’s representatives held high-level meetings with President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and executives from major corporations, including Eni and the U.S. Department of Energy. These discussions have laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation on topics ranging from energy to trade, with mutual interest in future investments and job-creating initiatives.
Fedriga’s government is eyeing direct collaborations with U.S. states to expand economic opportunities. The region is preparing to sign a memorandum of cooperation with Virginia, aimed at enhancing trade and investment, with an additional partnership in development with Missouri. The Friuli-Venezia Giulia government hopes these initiatives will unlock new avenues for growth, particularly in high-tech manufacturing and energy sectors where U.S. demand aligns closely with regional expertise.
A Blueprint for Future Italian-American Cooperation
The sustained relationship with NIAF represents a strategic blueprint for Italian regions seeking to grow their influence and connections in the United States. Moving forward, Friuli Venezia Giulia plans to continue investing in programs such as Selecting Italy, an initiative aimed at fostering interest among U.S.-based investors in Italy’s regional markets.
“The mutual benefits are clear,” Fedriga said. “Through a system of reciprocity, we’ve fostered economic and cultural exchanges that are shaping a brighter future for Friuli Venezia Giulia in the global economy. The success of this partnership illustrates what can be achieved when regions work directly with international organizations like NIAF to foster people-to-people and business-to-business connections.”
In an increasingly interconnected world, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s approach demonstrates the growing importance of regional diplomacy and specialized partnerships in advancing international relations. The fruits of this partnership will not only benefit Friuli Venezia Giulia but also contribute to a flourishing Italian-American relationship that serves as a model for others.
