The City of Vaughan has wrapped up its 2024 Northern and Central Italy Mission, which focused on opportunities ranging from economic and cultural development to strengthening intergovernmental relations with elected public servants and government officials. One of the mission's final engagements included the presentation of gifts to staff at the Embassy of Canada to the Holy See and an introductory meeting with the Global Affairs Canada Trade Commissioner Service at the Canadian Embassy in Italy.
Our delegation used the meeting to provide a technical briefing on Vaughan's economy and opportunities for trade and investment in the city. Discussions emphasized the promotion of Vaughan as a destination of choice for trade and investment, instilling optimism about the city's future, showcased opportunities within the city in the agri-food and food processing and other sector opportunity areas, explored opportunities for business and trade development support for Vaughan-based businesses and advanced discussions for ongoing touchpoints to support incoming investments.
Here's a quick recap of some of the mission highlights:
- Vaughan's delegation met with Sora Mayor Luca Di Stefano. On behalf of Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca, Deputy Mayor, Local and Regional Councillor Linda Jackson, and Local and Regional Councillor Mario Ferri participated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony to renew Vaughan and Sora’s more than 30-year international partnership. This initiative commits to advancing opportunities for youth, culture and tourism development. The signing ceremony took place at Sora City Hall with Mayor Di Stefano and Members of Sora City Council.
- Roundtable discussions were held with Confindustria Lombardia, followed by meetings with City of Milan representatives to discuss the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact. The delegation met with officials from
Eataly
, a renowned global marketplace offering high-quality Italian food products and culinary experiences. Another roundtable took place with leadership from LCA Studio Legale to discuss the climate for investment and opportunities for deepening the relationship with Vaughan.
- The delegation met with Maria Grazia Mattei, founder and president of MEET, an Italian organization that supports digital culture and technology. The day wrapped up with a tour of race car manufacturer Tatuus and discussions about Vaughan’s highly competitive and innovative automotive sector.
- Economic Development staff led a briefing and networking session with business representatives in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Verona Chamber of Commerce.
- The delegation met with business representatives from Bauli, a globally renowned Italian food company famous for its bakery products. The meeting included a plant tour. Founded in 1922, Bauli has operations worldwide, and its products are available in major grocery stores and independent bakeries throughout Vaughan.
- Vaughan’s delegation met with Maxime Therien, Canada’s Consul to Milan, and Nicoletta D’Arcangelo, Trade Commissioner, with the Government of Canada. The Consul of Canada in Milan opened its offices in the fall of 2023, and is working to advance bilateral trade and commercial activities between Canada and the Milan region.
- Vaughan's delegation met with Giovanni Maria De Vita, co-ordinator of Roots Tourism, Directorate General for Italians Abroad. Roots Tourism is an Italian government program that aims to offer travel experiences combined with research on family history and knowledge of the original culture of Italian ancestors.
- The delegation met with representatives from the Rome Chamber of Commerce. This was an introductory meeting to explore business investment and trade opportunities originating in Rome and the Lazio region, and advance Vaughan’s profile as a destination for trade and investment.
- The delegation held roundtable discussions at the Italian Parliament, joined by Senator Francesca La Marca and Member of the Chamber of Deputies Christian Di Sanzo, representing the Oversee Constituencies of North and Central America. These public officials represent the interests of Italian residents living abroad, such as communities like Vaughan, who vote in Italian elections.
Looking ahead, City staff will present a report to a future Committee of the Whole (2) meeting that will outline an action plan to build on the opportunities identified from the mission and how staff will continue to work alongside critical stakeholders like the Italian Canadian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario in Canada to further elevate Vaughan’s profile as a leading destination for economic and cultural development in Italy.
Are you a Vaughan-based business looking to explore trade or international expansion opportunities? Connect with our team today: vaughanbusiness.ca/connect
For more information about the critical city-building work undertaken by Vaughan Economic Development staff, please visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
