Abu dhabi: An economic delegation from Abu Dhabi, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has concluded a successful visit to Italy, culminating in the signing of agreements to accelerate the growth of entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and agritech. The delegation included more than 100 senior officials and executives from both the public and private sectors, including representatives from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), ADGM, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, and Hub71.
According to Emirates News Agency, during the visit, the delegation engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with top government officials, key businesses, family offices, and investors to explore new opportunities. Discussions focused on the emirate's role as a global platform where international capital can confidently identify, access, and scale opportunities, highlighting the strength of Abu Dhabi's integrated ecosystem, and alignment between Italy's strengths in cultural, industrial, and creative industries and Abu Dhabi's position as an ideal springboard for long-term expansion.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) Milan, organized by ADIO in cooperation with ADDED, featured keynote speeches by senior officials and decision-makers, including Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, Abdulla Ali Al Subousi, Ambassador of UAE to the Italian Republic, and Alvise Biffi, President of Assolombarda, the largest association within Italy's entrepreneurial system. The event included discussion panels and presentations highlighting opportunities for mutual investments.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the visit, emphasizing commitments to accelerate growth in priority sectors and clusters. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and benefiting from opportunities in both economies. The Falcon Economy guides efforts to future-proof industries through progressive policies and strategic partnerships, aiming to expand into fast-growing markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
During ADIF, ADIO signed landmark agreements with leading Italian institutions, Assolombarda and Confagricoltura, advancing cross-border trade and industrial collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Milan. The collaboration with Assolombarda focuses on advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital transformation, while the agreement with Confagricoltura supports innovation in the agri-food value chain. These partnerships reflect Abu Dhabi's commitment to expanding global market access and fostering long-term institutional collaboration.
Additionally, a statement of cooperation was signed between Abu Dhabi Customs and the Italian Customs to enhance trade facilitation by promoting secure, efficient, and transparent customs processes. This aims to establish a digital trade corridor, improving trade and secure customs data sharing, increasing bilateral trade and competitiveness.
Hub71 highlighted its efforts to support high-potential startups by connecting them with the emirate's thriving market, investors, and partners. The Abu Dhabi Chamber advanced private-sector engagement through high-level roundtables and bilateral meetings with major Italian organizations, focusing on direct access to the Abu Dhabi market and pathways for market entry and expansion.
The visit to Italy was part of ADDED-led delegations to major global capitals to expand Abu Dhabi's engagement with leading economies and explore new avenues for international cooperation. ADDED is enabling investments through actionable insights and seamless registry services, focusing on sector-specific clusters projected to significantly contribute to GDP, job creation, and investments by 2045.