by InTrieste
More than 130 stakeholders from business and government gathered this week at the Italy Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka for a special edition of Selecting Italy, an event aimed at promoting foreign investment in Italy’s regional economies.
Organized by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces, and supported by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, the event sought to deepen economic ties between Italy and Japan. The initiative focused on attracting Japanese investment and strengthening Italy’s position in global trade networks.
“Consolidating relations with Japan means reaffirming the commitment of Italy’s regional system, and the economic sectors it represents, to shaping their own future,” said Massimiliano Fedriga, governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia and head of the national Conference of Regions. He emphasized Japan’s role as a strategic partner and highlighted Italy’s interest in integrating Japan into its broader development plans, including international infrastructure corridors such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Fedriga pointed to Friuli Venezia Giulia’s geographic position—serving as a gateway to both Central Europe and the Balkans—and its strengths in logistics and innovation as key advantages in fostering this partnership.
Speakers included Mario Vattani, Italy’s commissioner general for Expo 2025 Osaka; Gianluigi Benedetti, Italy’s ambassador to Japan; and Valentino Valentini, Italy’s deputy minister for enterprises and Made in Italy. The governor of one of Japan’s prefectures also took part in the event, signaling mutual interest in expanding cooperation.
The conference marked one of Italy’s most significant promotional events at Expo 2025 so far, reflecting the country’s broader effort to position its regional economies as attractive destinations for foreign capital.
