Economic and commercial training for diplomatic staff launched with Confindustria

Today, a training module for diplomatic personnel of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) was held at the Confindustria headquarters in Rome. The module focused on the internationalisation of the Italian production system and on the projected development of the country's industrial supply chains. It represents the first operational follow-up to the MAECI-Confindustria training agreement, signed by Minister Antonio Tajani and President Carlo Maria Orsini during the second National Conference on Export and Internationalisation of Enterprises, held last December in Milan. The programme has been designed with the involvement of SFC - Sistemi Formativi Confindustria, together with territorial and sectoral Associations, with the aim of developing practical measures to strengthen the economic and commercial support provided by the diplomatic network.

The module addressed the key areas related to assisting Italian businesses in international markets. Particular emphasis was placed on access to critical raw materials in global markets and on the analysis of target markets in a rapidly evolving international context, characterised by growing fragmentation and competition. In this scenario, the guidance provided by institutions is essential to support the effective positioning of Italian enterprises. The training also explored the promotion of Made in Italy, from typical products and consumer goods to machinery and capital equipment, highlighting growth opportunities according to the specific characteristics of each market, local interests and the competitive environment. Special attention was given to national interest priorities and to Italy's main industrial supply chains - fashion, agri-food and mechanical engineering - considered strategic for export and the country's international projection, as well as to lesser-known production sectors with high export potential, which require support in accessing new markets.

The sessions underlined that access to foreign markets is a fundamental lever for the growth and competitiveness of Italian small and medium-sized enterprises. While these companies demonstrate internationally recognised excellence, they do not always have the tools needed to fully project themselves abroad. Within this framework, the synergy between Italian Foreign Ministry and Confindustria aims to bridge this gap, fostering a reciprocal and virtuous relationship between institutions and businesses in service of the national system and citizens.

Training thus represents a strategic step in the transfer of skills and the development of a "hybrid" economic diplomacy, capable of generating multiplier effects and engaging institutions, sectoral associations, the Italian Chamber of Commerce system and the business community in a coordinated manner, thereby enhancing the representation and protection of Italian interests abroad.