Showcasing Puglia: A Cultural and Economic Journey at Expo 2025 Osaka
At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Puglia region of Italy shone a spotlight on its rich cultural heritage and burgeoning aerospace industry during a dedicated week of events. The initiative aimed to create a fertile environment for international investors, particularly those from Japan.
Francesca Zampano, the Manager of Puglia's section for trade promotion, emphasized the importance of sharing both the cultural and economic jewels of Puglia. The regional presentation spanned various sectors, showcasing the best of local products, including renowned wine and food items protected by the IGP label. Through tastings and presentations, attendees were introduced to the most significant gastronomic offerings of the region.
Integral to the region's presentation was an immersive experience dedicated to the work of Pino Pascali, a prominent figure in Italian art. Zampano expressed pride in the installation featuring Pascali's contemporary Arte Povera work, which beautifully bridged connections between the artist and legendary figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Tintoretto, and Caravaggio.
Puglia's unique story unfolded within the breathtaking Italy Pavilion, illustrating a new and unexpected Puglia that balances prestige with a welcoming nature. The week was alive with international interactions, workshops, and a showcase of innovations in the aerospace sector. Local companies presented prototypes and products, demonstrating Puglia's advancing role in the aerospace landscape.
Highlighting the importance of international collaborations, Zampano mentioned workshops that facilitated discussions between US and Japanese spaceports, featuring influential figures like Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki of JAXA and George Nilde from the Global Alliance.
Innovative startups also took the stage during tech talks, including Puglia's own Rea Space, which unveiled its latest invention: an intravehicular spacesuit.
The Investor Meeting event was a cornerstone of Puglia's outreach, where over 40 corporations and financial operators gathered to discover investment opportunities within the region. Zampano detailed how this meeting successfully introduced Puglia's potential and charm to potential investors keen on establishing a presence in the region.
The week culminated in significant discussions surrounding advancements in mobility systems, particularly unmanned aircraft technologies. A workshop with Eurocontrol on air mobility underscored the commitment of regional agencies like Aret Puglia Sviluppo to enhancing sectorial focuses in collaboration with the Aerospace Technology District (DTA).
Zampano's pride was evident as she reflected on the successful navigation to Expo 2025 Osaka. It was not just about showcasing the region but about narrating a deeper story of Puglia—a territory that has gained esteem and recognition thanks to the collective efforts of all those who champion its values and vision.
This editorial initiative was co-funded by the European Union, supporting the Puglia Region through resources allocated for the PR Puglia FESR FSE 2021-2027.
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