Minister Tajani’s participation in the 41st Anci Annual Assembly – “A strategic alliance between the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Municipalities of Italy”

Today, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, is in Turin to attend the 41^st Anci Annual Assembly.

"Local bodies are key players for the growth of Italy and lie at the heart of the strategy of Growth Diplomacy," said the Minister, while adding that "businesses and local areas are the best custodians of the excellence of Italian know-how, which combines tradition and innovation."

In congratulating new Anci President Gaetano Manfredi, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated "the importance of full cooperation between central and local administrations, especially in light of the current national and international challenges for Italy. A strategic alliance must be consolidated between the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Italian municipalities."

MAECI works to promote exports and the internationalisation of local areas together with the entire internationalisation team (ICE, CDP, SACE, SIMEST). Furthermore, within the framework of Italian Law 131/2003, the Ministry supports and encourages the international projection of Italian local bodies by promoting investments, job creation, and welfare for families and enterprises.

As part of the 'Roots Tourism' project, MAECI has selected more than 800 municipalities with a population of less than 6,000 inhabitants that will benefit from contributions for the implementation of cultural activities and the promotion of local areas. In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed last month in Pescara between MAECI and ANCI, which seeks to further the action in favour of 'Roots Tourism' in order to further enhance the skills and instruments of the Municipalities.