Florida and the Lombardy Region of Italy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening their partnership in trade, economic development, and industrial collaboration. The agreement was formalized during the International Trade & Development Mission to Italy by Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region.
“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.”
Attilio Fontana commented on the significance of the agreement: “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."
Nick Primrose, SelectFlorida Board Member and Chief of Regulatory Compliance for JAXPORT, highlighted shared interests: “The similarities between Florida and Italy are deep—from cultural and educational ties to shared economic interests. This agreement will not only expand opportunities in maritime, aerospace, agriculture and education, it will ensure a stronger future for both Italians and Floridians.”
The MOU builds on discussions held during Governor Ron DeSantis' November 2024 trade mission to Italy. That mission focused on enhancing business, education, and research connections between Florida and Italian regions. As part of those efforts, Florida International University signed an MOU with Insightec, Inc. and Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta to advance research into brain disease treatments.
The new agreement outlines priority areas for cooperation including aerospace, life sciences, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, transportation infrastructure, logistics, environmental sustainability, vocational training, agrifood technology, tourism, and hospitality.
In 2024 merchandise trade between Florida and Italy reached $4.3 billion according to state data (https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/ITA.pdf), making Italy Florida’s second largest bilateral merchandise trading partner within the European Union. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that Italian majority-owned affiliates employ about 11,000 people in Florida as of 2022 (https://apps.bea.gov/international/factsheet/factsheet.cfm?Area=100). There are also 16 sister city or region relationships linking communities in both locations.
Florida officials say they plan to work closely with their counterparts in Lombardy to share best practices in targeted industries with the goal of improving trade outcomes for both regions.