Genoa hosts the 35th World Convention of Assocamerestero

From June 13 to 15, Genoa hosted the 35th World Convention of Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad, culminating in the final event titled "New Rules and New Routes for International Trade". The appointment brought together the network of 86 Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad operating across 64 countries, with the participation of approximately 160 delegates, including presidents, secretaries-general, and officials. During the event, over 500 B2B meetings took place between chamber network representatives and Ligurian companies interested in developing opportunities in European, Mediterranean, Southeast Asian, Australian, and Latin American markets. The Genoa edition confirmed its status as one of the most highly attended ever.

The Convention opened with an analysis of the international landscape, which is characterized by geopolitical complexities yet remains favorable for Italian exports. After reaching a record value of 643 billion euros in 2025, Italian exports continue to grow: indeed, data from the first quarter of 2026 registered an increase of over 7%, despite critical challenges related to conflicts and trade tensions. Forecasts indicate a positive trend for the remainder of the year as well, with values that could exceed the 660 billion mark.

The discussions that emerged during the proceedings clearly showed how Made in Italy must increasingly evolve from a collection of individual products into an integrated system of territories, businesses, skills, and supply chains, built on quality and reliability. In this scenario, the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad play a strategic role: they interpret local market shifts, intercept opportunities, flag critical issues, and support companies in understanding regulatory frameworks, partners, and risks.

Furthermore, the Convention highlighted the crucial role of institutions in creating favorable conditions for the international development of businesses. In this regard, Genoa is driving forward major infrastructure investments: from the Terzo Valico dei Giovi (the Giovi Third Railway Link) to the Gronda motorway bypass—essential projects to improve connections with the main cities of Northern Italy and the European logistics network, including links to cities like Nice and Marseille.

In parallel, the city is establishing itself as a strategic digital hub, thanks to the three submarine cables connecting the Mediterranean to the rest of the world, with their landing point right here in Genoa. Added to this is the construction of the new breakwater (nuova diga foranea), which will enable the port—one of the main hubs in the Mediterranean—to accommodate large-scale vessels, further strengthening the port system's competitiveness.

The 35th Assocamerestero Convention concluded with a commitment to strengthen coordination among the overseas chamber network, institutions, ICE (Italian Trade Agency), trade associations, and local territories, while continuing on the path of self-reform and service standard improvement. The event represented a significant opportunity to consolidate the link between the global dimension in which the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad operate and the Genoese territory. The Ligurian capital thus confirms its position as a key reference point balancing mercantile tradition and innovation, navigating a phase of strong dynamism that aims to be sustained over time.