In this exclusive interview, Valerio Soldani, Director of the Italian Trade Agency Dubai Office, shares his perspectives with Megha Mary Mathews on Italy’s robust participation in the Airport Show. He discusses the significance of the dedicated Italy Pavilion, the representation of Italian companies in the aviation sector, and the future of trade and investment between Italy and the UAE.
Could you share insights into Italy’s participation at the Airport Show, including the significance of the dedicated country pavilion and the representation of Italian companies in the aviation sector?
The Airport Show is an important meeting point for the industry and presents a great opportunity for the Italian Trade Agency to showcase the best of ‘Made in Italy’ excellence in airport technologies and services.
At this year’s Italy Pavilion, we are presenting 28 exceptional companies demonstrating cutting-edge solutions, from air traffic management systems to
sustainable engineering. Our goal is to showcase our advanced products and forge partnerships while exploring new opportunities in the UAE market, a key partner for Italy.
The companies featured in the Italy Pavilion represent an ecosystem with over 70% of their turnover from exports. They offer solutions aligned with the UAE’s vision for expanding airport investments and projects.
We’ve partnered with Air Tech Italy, a leading industrial association in this field, representing companies that have supplied over 150 airports worldwide and installed leading tech solutions in 60 major international airports. These companies are deploying AI, deep learning, and smart technology integration to deliver market-ready products and services.
How do you envision the future of trade and investment between Italy and the UAE in the aviation sector, especially in light of recent global challenges and opportunities?
We anticipate a dynamic landscape for trade and investment between Italy and the UAE in the aviation sector, underpinned by our mutual dedication to innovation and excellence. Over 1,000 Italian companies are already established in the UAE, reflecting a thriving business relationship.
The trade exchange reaching $9.4 billion in 2023 is particularly significant, with Italian exports to the UAE accounting for $7 billion of this total, driving substantial growth in our trade partnership.
How does the Italian government support its aviation industry in the UAE, particularly in terms of research and development, talent development, and international collaboration?
Our Italy Pavilion at the Airport Show exemplifies ITA’s efforts to facilitate connections for leading Italian companies, fostering new relationships and business opportunities. We highlight the immense potential of Italian ingenuity to investors, demonstrating how collaboration with key players fuels innovation and cultivates efficient production processes.
ITA plays a central role in addressing challenges by providing a comprehensive platform that includes company training, trade shows, tailored export-focused services for foreign markets, lead generation activities to attract investors, and more, serving as a one-stop-shop for engaging with the Italian ecosystem from abroad.
Looking ahead, what opportunities do you see for further cooperation and partnership between Italy and the UAE in the aviation industry, and how can the Embassy support and facilitate these efforts?
The aviation sector is rapidly expanding here in the UAE, highlighted by the 4 billion Sharjah Airport expansion project, which will be completed by 2026, and the development of the new Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become the world’s largest upon completion.
This growth presents abundant opportunities for foreign investment and collaboration with Italian companies that have extensive expertise in the field, capable of contributing their know-how to the UAE’s burgeoning aviation sector.
Valerio Soldani
“Director of the Italian Trade Agency Dubai Office
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