Lombardy, Saudi Arabia building a bridge to future opportunities
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The Lombardy region, which has a gross domestic product exceeding €400 billion ($444 billion), is a pillar of the Italian economy and a key player on the international stage. In recent years, it has shown a constant commitment to strengthening and expanding its external projection, aiming to create fruitful opportunities and to position itself as a pole of excellence for investment, innovation and global cooperation.
Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s minister of investments, at Palazzo Lombardia in Milan. This meeting represented a crucial moment in preparation of this week’s institutional mission to Riyadh and laid the foundation for several strategic initiatives that we hope to realize during our visit.
Situated in the heart of Italy and Europe, Lombardy is not only one of the wealthiest and most industrialized regions of the continent, but also a symbol of innovation and culture. Milan, our capital, is a central hub for finance and industry, hosting the Italian Stock Exchange and attracting global investment.
Lombardy is not only one of the wealthiest and most industrialized regions in Europe, but also a symbol of innovation and culture
Attilio Fontana
Our manufacturing sector is among the most advanced in the world, focusing on cutting-edge technologies and sustainability. Milan’s technological startups represent a vibrant ecosystem of innovation that attracts international capital and fosters new industries. With more than 16,000 foreign companies operating in its territory, Lombardy is particularly attractive for sectors such as automotive, aerospace, life sciences and biotech, as well as artificial intelligence and high technology.
However, Lombardy is not just about economics, it is also a major cultural and tourist hub. Historic cities and breathtaking landscapes attract visitors from around the world, contributing to a reputation for excellence that goes beyond national and European borders.
Milan, in particular, is renowned for its ecosystem of technological and innovative startups, which attract global investments and foster the growth of new industries, particularly in the fields of digital technologies and environmental sustainability. The city is also one of the world capitals of fashion and design, hosting internationally renowned events such as Milan Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile (Milan Furniture Fair).
The upcoming institutional mission to Saudi Arabia presents a key opportunity to enhance our economic, academic and cultural ties
Attilio Fontana
The institutional mission to Saudi Arabia, which takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday, presents a key opportunity to enhance our economic, academic and cultural ties. We will have the chance to explore new collaborative avenues and contribute with our expertise to various sectors, in line with the priorities set by Vision 2030. Our goal is to deepen our understanding of the transformative changes underway in Saudi Arabia and to leverage our know-how in areas such as investment, scientific cooperation and cultural initiatives.
We are particularly excited about the prospect of engaging with key Saudi stakeholders and exploring the vast opportunities offered by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its major ongoing projects. I am confident that this mission will not only strengthen our presence in Saudi Arabia but also pave the way for new joint projects and shared initiatives in both the Kingdom and Italy.
In short, the institutional mission to Saudi Arabia represents an extraordinary opportunity for Lombardy to strengthen and broaden its international ties. We are excited about the prospects for collaboration that are emerging and we trust that, over these two days, we will open new paths to bring our relationship with the Kingdom to a new level. With our unique combination of economic strength, innovation and culture, we are ready to contribute to the success of Vision 2030 and build a prosperous future together.
- Attilio Fontana is president of the Lombardy region of Italy. X: @FontanaPres
