A forum to strengthen economic ties with Italy

On Friday, 13 March, the Monaco Economic Board took part in a business forum organised in the Principality by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Embassy in Monaco, in collaboration with the Prince's Government, notably through its Attractiveness Unit.

Following rich bilateral exchanges and presentations in the morning, the MEB supported the Italian side in setting up a networking session at the Méridien Beach Plaza with the 70 entrepreneurs accompanying the delegation of Italian officials.

Fifty member companies responded to the MEB's invitation. On site, an area had been set up with four networking zones according to four main sectors of activity: Luxury, Yachting, Financial Services and Tourism. To facilitate contacts, the MEB provided three interpreters to smooth discussions when necessary.

H.E. Mrs Manuela Ruosi, Ambassador of Italy to Monaco, launched the session with a brief welcome address. In total, more than 80 introductions were made. This was in response to the wishes expressed by Prince Albert II that very morning: "that this forum will help identify new opportunities for collaboration, foster the exchange of experiences and give rise to concrete projects between Italian and Monegasque entrepreneurs."

Beyond the strong cultural and historical ties with Italy, the peninsula is also the Principality's leading economic partner outside France. Nearly 7,500 Italians live in Monaco, and more than 9,000 commute there to work every day.

📸 Sébastien Darrasse