Milan: Investopia organised the fourth edition of the 'Investopia Europe - Milan Dialogues' at Palazzo Mezzanotte, the historic headquarters of the Italian Stock Exchange in Milan, aiming to fortify economic and investment partnerships between the UAE, Italy, and broader European markets in key sectors such as the new economy, financial services, energy, luxury goods, real estate, logistics, and supply chains.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event highlighted emerging investment trends in European and African markets while showcasing global strategies to enhance energy efficiency and develop sustainable economic policies amid current economic and geopolitical shifts. Nearly 700 officials, senior executives, ministers, decision-makers, business leaders, and investors from the UAE, Italy, and other European and African countries participated.
Prominent attendees included Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Co-Chair of Investopia's Board of Trustees; Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy; Gianmarco Mazzi, Italian Minister of Tourism; Giancarlo Giorgetti, Italian Minister of Economy and Finance; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment and President of Investopia; Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group; Ignazio La Russa, President of the Italian Senate; Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Undersecretary of State for Defence in the Italian Government; Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy; and Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri emphasized the strong strategic partnership between the UAE and Italy, particularly following the announcement in February 2025 of UAE investments worth USD 40 billion in Italy across various vital sectors. This investment further strengthens economic cooperation and opens broader partnership opportunities.
Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, advocated for a free trade agreement between the European Commission and the UAE, emphasizing its significance at a political stage and as a signal of commitment to economic growth. Urso highlighted the feasibility of achieving the objective of reaching 40 billion in investments in Italy.
Gianmarco Mazzi, Italian Minister of Tourism, noted tourism's strategic role and its potential to enhance cultural and economic connections. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing responsible tourism models and reiterated the significance of UAE investments in Italy.
Giancarlo Giorgetti, Italian Minister of Economy and Finance, addressed the geopolitical instability's impact on supply chains and investments, highlighting the UAE's resilience and the potential of the partnership between Italy and the UAE in creating new opportunities amid technological transformations.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of Nigeria, emphasized Nigeria's strategic role in facilitating development across various sectors and highlighted the strong relationship with Italy, positioning Nigeria as a gateway for exports and investments.
Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment and President of Investopia, highlighted the strong economic partnership between the UAE and Italy, noting a 50% increase in Italian investment in the UAE over the past five years. This reflects the Italian business community's confidence in the UAE's investment environment.
Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region, discussed Lombardy's role as a key destination for foreign investment in Italy, highlighting the region's strategy based on zero red tape and long-term industrial policy.
The event also featured panel discussions and roundtables focused on strengthening UAE-Italy economic partnerships, advancing national industrial capabilities, technological autonomy, and tourism cooperation. Discussions explored the role of AI, capital deployment in real estate, optimizing the energy sector, and expanding UAE-Italy partnerships across African markets to support sustainable investment projects.