by InTrieste
In a promising reflection of economic resilience, Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) is witnessing a recovery in its regional economy, according to Sergio Emidio Bini, the region’s Councilor for Economic Development. Speaking at the “Top 500 – The 500 Leading Companies of the Northeast” event, organized by the Nem Group, Bini celebrated the positive growth in local industries, noting that most of the region’s businesses are operating with favorable margins.
“2024 marks a pivotal year for the economy of Friuli Venezia Giulia, which is emerging from challenging times, with companies predominantly showing positive financial performance,” Bini said. “To support this growth, the Region has implemented an ambitious strategic plan: the FVG Manufacturing Agenda 2030, developed in collaboration with The European House Ambrosetti. This roadmap will help shape the economic future of our region, particularly in export markets.”
The FVG Manufacturing Agenda 2030 is a comprehensive plan that outlines the region’s development trajectory, with a focus on international trade and investment opportunities. Bini emphasized that the region’s economic future lies in increasing its exports, particularly to high-growth markets such as North America and East Asia.
The event, which brought together influential entrepreneurs and policymakers, was also attended by Fabio Scoccimarro, the Regional Councillor for the Environment, underscoring the cross-sector collaboration that underpins the region’s strategic goals.
Bini further discussed the growing importance of exports to the region’s economy, noting that while European markets like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom remain key for FVG businesses, the United States is a significant player, representing 12.6% of total exports.
“We are actively working to boost the international presence of our companies,” Bini remarked. “Our recent mission to the United States is just one example of our efforts to strengthen ties with global markets. Looking ahead, the challenge will be to redirect more exports to emerging regions, particularly those with higher growth potential like North America and East Asia.”
According to analyses conducted by The European House Ambrosetti, some sectors in Friuli Venezia Giulia are already showing promising growth. The metallurgical industry, for example, has found new opportunities in Eastern Europe to offset slowdowns in the German market. Meanwhile, the agri-food sector remains the most dynamic, with exports to South Korea rising by 38% between 2022 and 2023.
“Despite a recent slowdown, FVG’s Wood and Furniture sector remains strong, ranking third in Italy for exports,” Bini added. “And the shipbuilding sector is also a significant asset for us, with maritime exports totaling €1.9 billion, making us the second-largest Italian region in this industry.”
Bini also highlighted that the Port of Trieste, a critical hub for the region, is the top Italian port for cargo handling, further solidifying the region’s strategic position in global trade.
Looking forward, Bini stressed that the success of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s businesses depends not just on their ability to compete in existing markets, but also on their boldness in embracing new global opportunities.
“As our region continues to grow, it will be vital for us to approach emerging markets with confidence and vision,” Bini concluded. “This is a crucial moment for Friuli Venezia Giulia, and we are committed to ensuring that our businesses can thrive on the world stage.”
In a year of recovery, Friuli Venezia Giulia is positioning itself for a strong and diversified economic future, leveraging its manufacturing, maritime, and agri-food sectors to build lasting connections with the global economy.
