As you look back on these four and a half years in Japan, are you satisfied with the work we have done as a team Italia?
Since my arrival in Tokyo in 2021, I have sought to bring together all the actors of the Sistema Italia, enhancing each one’s network and expertise and helping to highlight the potential that Italy and Japan can develop together, as Strategic Partners.
Our idea has always been to create a more cohesive system, one that moves in harmony and acts with greater effectiveness. Our goal has always been to join forces and competences, knowledge and know-how, to bridge the geographical distance between Italy and Japan by creating opportunities for our economies and our people.
I believe we have succeeded and the results are visible. Together, we organized an extraordinary number of events across many sectors, traditional and innovative. We have expanded the scope of our bonds, while welcoming numerous institutional, business and association delegations, which reached a peak this year with Expo Osaka.
What do you think it was the main result of this four year work and what has to be done in the future?
We have managed to explain to our Japanese friends that Italy is open for good business and to our Italian companies that Japan is eager to welcome a stronger Italian presence in this market.
Most importantly we have addressed our weakness in Japan that is the lack of recognition as a preferred industrial partner, particularly in high-tech sectors. The “Made in Italy” is a hallmark of quality, beauty, and functionality, but mostly in traditional manufacturing sectors, where talent and creativity are celebrated. The Strategic Partnership launched in 2023 and the 2024-2027 Action Plan have initiated a process to strengthen Italy’s image as a strong industrial and technological partner in a long-term perspective.
Looking at the future, I think we have to continue strengthen this image of Italy continuing to implement integrated promotional initiatives to highlight Italy’s strong industrial and technological capabilities. Our goal must be to upgrade our economic relations, increasing industrial cooperation and the presence of companies in both countries, as well as expanding trade flows, especially Italian trade in the intermediate and industrial goods sectors, in a perspective that must be win-win for Italy and Japan.
Any final message for our audience?
Tonight, I wish to close with a heartfelt grazie to all of you, to you Davide, to President Komatani, to all the members of the ICCJ Board, to the many companies that are part of the Chamber, to the Italian community present here this evening, and to our Japanese friends. Thank you all for your friendship and cooperation.
I am deeply grateful for having shared with you, with my family and with my colleagues at the Embassy, such a meaningful chapter of my professional and personal journey. It began here in Tokyo in 1989, and it now comes full circle in this beautiful city and in this extraordinary country. Thank you all.