During International Trade & Development Mission to Italy, State of Florida Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Lombardy Region

MILAN, ITALY- During the International Trade & Development Mission to Italy,Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and President of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further the success of the Florida-Lombardy partnership and increase collaboration in trade, economic strength and industrial ties and develop partnerships in strategic sectors. This MOU is a direct result of Governor DeSantis' November 2024 trade mission to Italy and will further the success of the already prosperous Florida-Italy partnership.

"Under Governor DeSantis' leadership, Florida continues to forge high-impact international partnerships that drive innovation, attract investment and create new opportunities across our most strategic sectors," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "This MOU with the Lombardy Region reflects a shared vision for deeper collaboration between two world-class economies-from advanced manufacturing and life sciences to aerospace and emerging technologies, this agreement will accelerate joint initiatives, promote international investment and position Florida and the Lombardy Region for long-term economic success."

"The agreement between Florida and Italy's Lombardy Region is a unique opportunity to strengthen international ties and promote exchanges and cross-investments in both territories," said President of the Lombardy Region Attilio Fontana.

"The similarities between Florida and Italy are deep-from cultural and educational ties to shared economic interests," said SelectFlorida Board Member and Chief of Regulatory Compliance for JAXPORT, Nick Primrose. "This agreement will not only expand opportunities in maritime, aerospace, agriculture and education, it will ensure a stronger future for both Itailians and Floridians."

In November, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis led an international trade and business development mission to Italy to strengthen business, education, and research ties growing Florida's economy and driving innovation. During the mission, the delegation from Florida met with President of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana to discuss trade linkages and opportunities between the targeted industries in the region and Florida.

During the mission Florida International University entered into a MOU with Insightec, Inc. and the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neuroligico Carlo Besta to expand research into treatments for brain diseases. As a result of these agreements and discussions, the State of Florida and the Lombardy Region pledged to sign a MOU for sharing the desire to increase trade and strengthening partnerships in strategic sectors, with the intention of formalizing this historic agreement in September 2025 during the International Trade and Development Mission to Italy.

This MOU signing is a continuation of this established partnership with a focus on strategic sectors in Florida and Italy. It identifies priority areas for collaboration, which include:

• Aerospace and Aviation
• Life Sciences and Biomedical
• Artificial Intelligence
• Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
• Transportation Infrastructure
• Public Transportation
• Logistics
• Environmental Sustainability
• Vocational Training
• Agrifood/Agritech
• Tourism and Hospitality

To achieve the goals outlined in the MOU, the state of Florida will partner with the Lombardy Region to share best practices, trends, challenges, techniques, and collaborate on opportunities that will solve problems and improve trade and economic development to benefit Floridians and Florida communities.

In 2024, total merchandise trade between Florida and Italy amounted to $4.3 billion, making Italy Florida's second largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in the EU and 15th largest trading partner overall. Italy is one of Florida's most important international markets. Italy is also a top ten foreign direct investor in Florida, as of the most recent data published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis for 2022. Italian majority-owned affiliates employ about 11,000 people in Florida. Florida has 16 sister city and region relationships with Italy.

To read the full MOU, click here.