The Deputy Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Valentino Valentini, took part last week in Dublin in two important events dedicated to economic and business dialogue between Italy and Ireland: the European Insurance Forum 2026 and the meeting “Made in Italy, Built in Ireland – Opportunities in Infrastructure, Energy, Health, Defence and Agrifood”. During the visit – the second in 2026 – Deputy Minister Valentini was accompanied by the Ambassador of Italy to Ireland, H.E. Nicola Faganello, and the President of the Italian-Irish Chamber of Commerce, Furio Pietribiasi. The meetings represented an important opportunity to explore further the prospects for bilateral economic relations – also in the context of the Irish Presidency of the EU Council – enhance the expertise and complementarity of the respective production and financial systems, and promote new opportunities for cooperation in strategic sectors for national and European growth and competitiveness.
During the European Insurance Forum 2026, held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre and dedicated to the theme “A Stronger Europe: Insurance as a Catalyst for Competitiveness and Resilience”, Deputy Minister Valentini took part in the opening session alongside the Minister of State at the Irish Department of Finance, Robert Troy TD. The discussion, moderated by Gráinne Callanan, Partner and Head of Matheson’s Cork office, addressed the prospects for the competitiveness of the European Union and bilateral cooperation, with particular attention to the financial services sector. The dialogue took place within the framework of European priorities and the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, providing an opportunity to discuss the contribution of financial services to the economic resilience and competitiveness of the European market.
Following this, at the premises of MUFG Investor Services, Deputy Minister Valentini delivered a keynote address at the meeting “Made in Italy, Built in Ireland”, organised by the Italian-Irish Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Ireland, in the presence of representatives of the institutions and business communities of both countries. The discussion focused on trends in Italian exports and the prospects for trade between Italy and Ireland, together with opportunities for growth and investment in the infrastructure, energy, health, defence and agrifood sectors. The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore further the value of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Ibec (represented at the event by its CEO, Cav. Danny McCoy), the leading organisation representing Irish businesses, and the Italian-Irish Chamber of Commerce, as a tool to foster dialogue between the business communities and develop new forms of cooperation. The programme also included an open question-and-answer session with the Deputy Minister, encouraging direct discussion with economic and institutional stakeholders, as well as a networking opportunity for Italian and Irish businesses and institutions, with significant participation also from representatives of the west of the island (Limerick-Shannon).
