Piedmont’s Delegation Takes Centre Stage at Italy Pavilion
Osaka: Piedmont is taking centre stage at Expo 2025 Osaka as a region that aims to consolidate its role in Japan not only during the universal exhibition but also in the years to come. This message was delivered during a meeting at the Italy Pavilion attended by Piedmont Governor Alberto Cirio, Tourism, Agriculture and Food Councillor Paolo Bongioanni, Turin Mayor Stefano Lo Russo and the Dean of Turin’s Polytechnic University Stefano Corgnati, who were welcomed by the Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka, Ambassador Mario Vattani.
According to Ansa News Agency, Vattani emphasized that Piedmont comes to Expo with a complete offering: innovation, agri-food, beauty and history. He stated that the region presents itself as a trustworthy and top-quality partner. Governor Cirio recalled the deep-rooted historical relationship between Piedmont and Japan, noting that Piedmont has been a protagonist since the origins of this relationship. In 2025, the region will celebrate the 160th anniversary of the treaty signed by Admiral Arminjon from Piedmont, and plans are underway to curate the translation of the diary of that journey, preserved in Turin.
Cirio explained that this celebration symbolizes the willingness to further strengthen a connection that can create new opportunities for Piedmont’s companies and the internationalization of the Piedmont system. The Expo serves as an economic and scientific showcase in addition to cultural and institutional diplomacy. Mayor Lor Russo highlighted the presence of Turin’s Polytechnic with projects related to aviation and space, underscoring the value of Turin’s and Piedmont’s system on the international stage.
Dean Corgnati emphasized the role of universities as ambassadors of Italianness, advocating for increased student mobility and the creation of true academic relations. Councillor Bongioanni focused on the promotion of agri-business, particularly rice farming, stating that Italian rice represents 50% of Europe’s production and Piedmont boasts Europe’s only IGP rice, Baraggia. He noted that Japan’s current production crisis in farming could open extraordinary opportunities for Piedmont’s products.
Bongioanni explained that the recent launch of Ris², the first international rice fair in Vercelli, attracted buyers from around the world, including Japan. He sees Expo as a springboard to consolidate Piedmont’s position, with promotional opportunities like the dinner in Osaka featuring Piedmont’s rice and Alba white truffle. The councillor also addressed global challenges such as climate change, new plant diseases, and market shifts, emphasizing the need for investment in research, innovation, and diversification.
He warned against repeating past mistakes, such as in the hazelnut sector, where a lack of investments led to significant production losses. Bongioanni concluded by stressing the importance of diversifying into international markets, especially in light of challenges like US tariffs on Piedmont’s wine, suggesting a focus on India and Asia. For Piedmont, Expo represents a natural bridge towards Japan, particularly for rice and products of excellence like Fassona meat.