Italy’s Lombardy sees strong opportunities in Vietnam, pledges support for local firms

Raffaele Cattaneo, undersecretary with responsibility for international and European relations of the Lombardy region, made the remarks at the Policy Dialogue on Enhancing Vietnam–Italy Cooperation in Italy on Monday.

The event was attended by Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man as part of his official visit to Italy from April 11 to 15.

Speaking at the dialogue, Cattaneo said Lombardy has identified Vietnam as a priority partner in Southeast Asia since 2003.

With strong technological capacity and high-level expertise, he said Lombardy sees major development opportunities in Vietnam, a country recording impressive GDP growth of over eight percent in 2025, the Vietnam News Agency cited him as saying.

He affirmed that Lombardy-based enterprises are ready to support Vietnamese partners with advanced technological expertise, particularly in mechanical manufacturing, green transition, and circular economy for sustainable development, as well as education, workforce training, and the restoration of architectural and cultural heritage.

Cattaneo also noted that the launch of the Milan–Hanoi direct flight reflects the steady development of cooperation between the two sides.

At the event, Veronica Squinzi, vice-president for international affairs at the Lombardy Business Association under the General Confederation of Italian Industry, underscored that Man’s visit marks an important milestone in bilateral relations.

She said Lombardy, Italy’s leading economic region, is the core of the country’s industrial and technological system, with Milan serving as a major financial and business hub and a key gateway to the European market.

Squinzi added that many Italian companies operating in Vietnam originate in Lombardy, while the region also provides Vietnamese businesses with access to Italy’s broader industrial and innovation ecosystem in Europe.

In his remarks, Man said Vietnam–Italy relations are entering a new phase of deeper and more substantive cooperation.

He highlighted Vietnam’s strong progress after nearly four decades of reform, along with ongoing strategic breakthroughs. 

He also pointed to ambitious economic targets, including GDP growth of over 10 percent in 2026, sustained double-digit expansion through 2026–30, and a long-term goal of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045. 

He noted Vietnam’s efforts to streamline institutions, improve infrastructure and human resources, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and accelerate science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to create a more attractive investment environment.

Man called for expanded Vietnam–Italy cooperation in key areas such as manufacturing, high technology, green transition, renewable energy, infrastructure and supporting industries, as well as stronger business links and greater participation of small- and medium-sized enterprises in global value chains.

He stressed the role of both countries’ parliaments in ensuring a stable and transparent legal framework, and encouraged concrete business projects with clear implementation plans and performance indicators.

He also reaffirmed the Vietnamese National Assembly’s commitment to improving institutions and promoting sustainable bilateral ties.