The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, chaired a meeting today at the Farnesina with representatives of the main associations from the Italian business world and the Presidents of the Italian Trade Agency and SIMEST, following the announcement of the agreement between the United States and Iran. The meeting was also attended by representatives from Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, SACE and the Italian Ambassadors to the main countries in the Middle East. The meeting was convened to take stock of the prospects for a resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, assess the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on the Italian economy, and review the measures to support the most affected businesses.
Minister Tajani emphasised that the resumption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz must take place under conditions of complete safety and in accordance with the principle of freedom of navigation, a principle also referred to in the recent statement by the G7 leaders. Italy is working alongside its international partners on initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of shipping and the smooth resumption of commercial traffic in the area. Tajani also announced that staff at the Embassy of Italy in Tehran will gradually return to the office. The Presidents of the Italian Trade Agency and SIMEST also outlined the measures made available by their respective institutions to support businesses most vulnerable to the effects of the crisis.
Finally, the Minister emphasised that stabilising the region and fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz are essential for reducing the impact that the increase in energy and transport costs are having on Italian businesses. He also emphasised the importance of continuing to develop alternative trade links and routes, starting with the IMEC Corridor and the opportunities offered by the Arctic route. At last, Tajani pointed out that Italian businesses have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to adapt, even during the most challenging periods on the international stage, as evidenced by the continued growth in exports.
