Italy Turns Eastward to Revive Export Growth

Amid slowing trade beyond the EU, Italy is intensifying efforts to expand its commercial footprint in Asia—particularly in India and Central Asia—as part of a broader strategy to diversify markets and reduce its trade deficit. Speaking at an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Bari, Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli outlined a comprehensive plan to tap into the Indo-Pacific’s economic potential.

“In today’s complex geopolitical landscape, market diversification isn’t optional—it’s essential,” Cirielli said, highlighting Asia as a concrete path for revitalizing Italian exports.

Over the past three years, Italy has shown a growing interest in the Indo-Pacific region, viewing it as a strategic hub for the future of global commerce. Economic partnerships are at the heart of this engagement, with two Italy-India business forums held in recent months (in New Delhi and Brescia), as well as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s May mission to Central Asia.

According to ISTAT, Italy’s untapped export potential in Asia exceeds €4 billion. Yet, approximately 70,000 Italian companies capable of exporting remain absent from international markets. Unlocking this potential has become a top priority.

Cirielli called for a multi-level, multi-dimensional approach to forging new trade opportunities, stating:

“The East is no longer a remote option—it is a strategic reality for the global economy.”

While global trends show a 30% drop in US-China trade (May year-on-year), China’s trade with both the EU and ASEAN has increased. Italy aims to maintain economic ties with China while simultaneously expanding outreach to high-growth markets such as India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Central Asia.

These countries are showing rising demand for premium, high-quality goods, creating new opportunities for Made in Italy exports. For Rome, tapping into this demand is a tangible lever to boost exports and correct trade imbalances.

Cirielli’s message, delivered from **Bari—Italy’s easternmost gateway—**underlined a clear strategic shift: the East is no longer just a frontier, but a focal point of Italy’s economic diplomacy.

Source: Decode39