by InTrieste
The governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Massimiliano Fedriga, emphasized the region’s growing international visibility and its deepening partnership with the United States during a series of institutional and cultural events held this week in Washington, D.C.
“These meetings reflect the increasing international profile of Friuli Venezia Giulia and strengthen our ties with the United States, an allied and friendly nation,” Fedriga said. “This bond, in addition to its political and institutional value, can increasingly translate into economic and investment opportunities for our region.”
Accompanied by the regional councillor for productive activities, Sergio Emidio Bini, and spokesperson Edoardo Petiziol, Fedriga took part in a full day of engagements centered on fostering transatlantic cooperation and celebrating the Italian American community.
The day began with a roundtable organized by the Italian American Chamber of Commerce, featuring leading figures from the political and economic sectors. Participants included Italy’s ambassador to the United States, Marco Peronaci; Carlo Fidanza, vice president of the European Conservatives and Reformists Party; Renato Loiero, budget policy adviser to Italy’s Prime Minister’s Office; Philip T. Reeker, partner and head of Europe & Eurasia at the Albright Stonebridge / DGA Group; and Simone Crolla, managing director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy.
In his address, Fedriga highlighted Friuli Venezia Giulia’s potential as a key player in international trade and logistics, with Trieste serving as a strategic hub for global investment. The governor underscored the region’s appeal to American businesses seeking opportunities in Europe, particularly in areas of innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable industry.
In the evening, Fedriga attended the Gala marking the 50th anniversary of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), one of the most prominent events celebrating Italian heritage in the United States. The Washington stage brought together leading figures from business and culture, including Doug Leone of Sequoia Capital; Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo; Stefano Donnarumma of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane; Flavio Cattaneo of Enel; John Elkann of Stellantis; Pierroberto Folgiero of Fincantieri; Stefano Scornajenchi of Snam; and Matteo Zoppas, president of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE-ITA).
Throughout the evening, discussions centered on fostering collaboration between Italian and American industries, with Fedriga outlining Friuli Venezia Giulia’s development strategies and industrial growth priorities.
The gala concluded with a performance by tenor Andrea Bocelli, providing a moving finale to the event. Among the Italian government representatives in attendance were Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché, Parliamentary Relations Minister Luca Ciriani, Deputy Minister for the Environment and Energy Security Vannia Gava, and a delegation of Italian parliamentarians and senators, underscoring the occasion’s political and institutional significance.
