by InTrieste
The region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is making a concerted push to strengthen its international presence in the design and furniture sectors, with 36 local companies participating in this year’s Salone del Mobile, one of the industry’s leading global trade fairs.
The regional government, represented by the Councillor for Productive Activities, visited the event this week, meeting with entrepreneurs and reaffirming Friuli Venezia Giulia’s role as a key manufacturing hub. The delegation emphasized the region’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and industrial resilience amid broader economic uncertainty.
Local business owners expressed cautious optimism about the state of the sector and the outcomes of the fair. While concerns remain about global trade tensions, particularly tariffs imposed by the United States, industry representatives indicated that the impact appears less severe than financial markets suggest. Many companies are already implementing strategies to manage risk, including efforts to distribute responsibilities more evenly across the supply chain—from manufacturers to importers and end markets.
The regional administration pointed to a series of policy initiatives designed to support manufacturing. Friuli Venezia Giulia was the first region in Italy to launch a long-term industrial strategy, known as the “FVG Manufacturing Agenda 2030.” The plan aims to promote internationalization, help companies scale up, and support exports to emerging markets. Over €100 million in funding has already been allocated, with eleven new support measures scheduled for 2025—more than half of which are already active.
Officials say that reducing reliance on the German market and expanding exports to faster-growing economies—such as the United States, Middle East, and Asia—will be crucial in the coming years. As part of this effort, the region plans to establish export centers, described as “on-the-ground antennas,” in key foreign markets.
The wood and furniture sector, a traditional strength of Friuli Venezia Giulia, is expected to play a leading role in these efforts. The region has introduced a new support tool specifically for this segment, which officials say could serve as a pilot model for broader industrial policy initiatives.
