Florida officials signed a new trade agreement with the Lombardy region of Italy on Tuesday, formalizing a partnership intended to expand ties in advanced industries.
Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and Lombardy President Attilio Fontana signed a memorandum of understanding during an international trade and development mission to Italy. The deal builds on Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2024 trade mission to Milan and sets out joint priorities in aerospace, biomedical research, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, transportation, environmental sustainability, agritech, and tourism.
“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,” said Kelly.
Fontana described the pact as “a unique opportunity to strengthen international ties and promote exchanges and cross-investments in both territories.”
The agreement follows last year’s Florida delegation to Italy, which included meetings with Lombardy officials and the signing of an academic partnership between Florida International University, Insightec, and Milan’s Carlo Besta Neurological Institute to collaborate on brain disease research. That initiative laid groundwork for the broader state-level pact signed this week.
Nick Primrose, a SelectFlorida board member and compliance officer at JAXPORT, said the agreement would extend beyond research and trade.
“This agreement will not only expand opportunities in maritime, aerospace, agriculture and education, it will ensure a stronger future for both Italians and Floridians,” he said.
Italy is Florida’s second-largest European trading partner, with $4.3 billion in goods exchanged in 2024, according to state figures. Italian companies employ roughly 11,000 people in Florida, and the state counts 16 sister city and regional relationships with Italy.
