What is Obiettivo Export and who organized it?
Obiettivo Export is a series of regional meetings organized by the Farnesina, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The series leads up to the 2026 National Export Conference and brings together businesses, trade associations and institutions. The Rome event on October 6 focused on Central Italy, and the series also includes a stop in Bari for Southern Italy. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation organized the initiative together with the public bodies that support Italian businesses in international markets:
- ITA Italian Trade Agency (ICE)
- Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP)
- SIMEST
- SACE
- Unioncamere, the Italian Union of Chambers of Commerce, which provided support
What were the main topics in Rome?
The discussion focused on two themes: exports as a driver of national growth, and Italian culture as a source of international competitiveness. The keynote institutional speeches came from Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia, Secretary General of the Farnesina. One figure showed how strong Italy’s production base is: Italian small businesses export €50 billion every year. Speakers kept coming back to the idea of Italy as a cultural superpower. The same idea ran through the exhibition spaces in the foyer, which were dedicated to Italian craftsmanship and to promoting Italian excellence around the world.
Who took part in the panel on Central Italy’s regions?
The panel “The Role of Central Italy’s Regions in Developing International Markets” (“Il ruolo dei territori del Centro Italia per lo sviluppo dei mercati internazionali”) brought together leaders of Italy’s main trade associations and industry. Roberto Sommella, editor in chief of Milano Finanza, moderated. The speakers were:
- Massimiliano Giansanti, President of Confagricoltura
- Fausto Bianchi, Vice President of Confindustria
- Luigi Pino, Vice President of Confapi
- Andrea Alfani, Vice President of the Gas Technology Services Division at Baker Hughes
- Giorgio Mercuri, Vice President of Confcooperative
- Fabio Mereu, Vice President of Confartigianato
- Andrea Benetton, Vice President of Filiera Italia
Mauro Iengo, President of Legacoop Lazio
How did ENGLOBE take part in Obiettivo Export?
ENGLOBE attended the sessions and took part in meetings in the B2B room. One of these meetings was dedicated to the Greek market. The B2B meetings are where institutional dialogue becomes direct contact between businesses and international partners.
What comes after the Rome event?
The series leads to the 2026 National Export Conference in December, which will bring together the input gathered at the regional events. Rome leaves a clear message for the next stage: Central Italy’s regions, with their businesses and their cultural heritage, are called on to lead the country’s international reach.
How much do small businesses contribute to Italian exports?
According to the figure presented in Rome, Italian small businesses export €50 billion every year. It shows that going global is not only for large corporations.
Which organizations support Obiettivo Export?
The initiative comes from the Farnesina, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is carried out with ITA Italian Trade Agency (ICE), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, SIMEST and SACE, with support from Unioncamere.
