Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani will open the event “Promoting Italian Exports Worldwide. Trade Fair Calendar and Actions of the Italian System for 2026” at the Foreign Ministry today at 3:30 p.m. The event focuses on the role of international trade fairs in promoting Made in Italy products abroad.
It is a concrete follow-up to the launch, last September, of the “Table for the Internationalization of the Trade Fair System,” which aims to systematize available data on the ability of Italian trade fairs to promote joint actions and strategic alliances. The goal is to strengthen the ability of our trade fairs to attract qualified foreign events and visitors.
Italy ranks fourth in the world in terms of covered exhibition area available, behind China, the United States, and Germany.
In 2025, 915 trade fairs were held, most with a B2B focus, attracting over 17 million visitors. 89 Italian trade fairs were also held abroad in 20 countries, led by China, Brazil, and the United States.
A total of 878 events are already planned for 2026, with 276 international and 202 domestic trade fairs.
The food, beverage, and hospitality sector will account for 12% of total events, followed by textiles, clothing, and fashion, along with sports, leisure, entertainment, and art. Significant shares are also expected for technology and mechanical engineering, agriculture, forestry, and livestock sectors, as well as jewelry, watches, and accessories.
The reform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs therefore strengthens the economic projection of Italian foreign policy.
Following the recent Business Forum held in Rome with Germany, further business forums will be held in Shanghai and Miami between April and May. At the same time, three stages are being defined leading up to the 2026 National Export Conference, dedicated to companies in Northern, Central, and Southern Italy, to fully engage the entire national production system.
