by InTrieste
In a high-level meeting on February 18, 2025, Governor Massimiliano Fedriga of Friuli Venezia Giulia and French Ambassador Martin Briens explored the critical role of Trieste’s port in driving the region’s economic growth and fostering international business partnerships. The meeting, which also featured honorary consul Riccardo Illy and political advisor Pauline Le Louargant, focused on expanding investment opportunities and navigating the complex geopolitical landscape that continues to challenge global trade.
Fedriga, addressing the region’s pressing demographic issues, emphasized that workforce development has become a top priority. “In a region like ours, where we face a severe demographic crisis and a persistent shortage of skilled labor, workforce training is increasingly vital,” he said. He pointed to the successful Ghana Project, led by Confindustria Alto Adriatico, which seeks to strengthen ties with Africa as a model for similar initiatives with countries sharing cultural connections to Italy.
The governor also highlighted the region’s strategic investment in education, particularly in technological training. Fedriga praised the ITS (Istituti Tecnici Superiori) schools of excellence in high-tech specialization, which he called a regional pride. Plans to exchange best practices on workforce training with European counterparts were discussed as potential next steps in strengthening the region’s competitive edge.
The conversation also turned to innovation, with a focus on the growing role of artificial intelligence and the Agenda FVG Manifattura 2030, an ambitious industrial growth plan aimed at shaping Friuli Venezia Giulia’s future. Fedriga further noted that the region has long collaborated with neighboring Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia on both economic and territorial development initiatives. However, significant differences in administrative and legislative processes continue to present challenges to greater cooperation.
“We’ve worked closely with Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia on key economic initiatives, but aligning our administrative frameworks remains a challenge,” Fedriga said. “Such disparities often limit the potential for further collaboration, and we are working to address them.”
As president of the Conference of Italian Regions, Fedriga revealed plans to organize regular meetings with European regional leaders to create more opportunities for cross-border dialogue. “We’re exploring the idea of regular meetings with European counterparts to share ideas and bring new projects to Brussels,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is to improve the policies of the European Union for the benefit of all regions.”
The meeting marks a significant step in advancing Friuli Venezia Giulia’s regional vision and its international role, positioning Trieste not only as a hub for economic growth but also as a key player in Europe’s efforts to align legislative and administrative frameworks for smoother cross-border collaboration.
