Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with a delegation from the Italian Republic led by Attilio Fontana, Governor of the Lombardy region, who arrived in Tashkent to participate in the International Investment Forum.

Lombardy is one of Italy’s largest and most populous regions, ranking among Europe’s leaders in economic development and industrial capacity.

During the meeting, particular attention was given to practical steps for strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation, especially in the areas of trade, economics, and investment.

The two sides welcomed the outcomes of recent talks in Samarkand with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which resulted in an agreement to expand interregional ties and support direct interaction between the business communities of both countries.

Joint projects between Uzbekistan and companies from Lombardy are already being successfully implemented in areas such as tomato and saffron cultivation, the production of nonwoven materials, knitwear, and food products. New initiatives are currently being developed in the textile and automotive electronics industries, construction materials manufacturing, deep processing of dairy and fruit-and-vegetable products, and the modernization of public transportation systems.

The President emphasized Uzbekistan’s interest in expanding the portfolio of joint projects, actively attracting advanced Italian technologies, and increasing direct investment into priority sectors of the national economy.

The parties agreed to organize an exhibition in Milan showcasing Uzbekistan’s industrial and export potential, to open a dedicated Uzbek Trade House, and to launch specialized export products under the “Uzbek Organic” brand.

They also discussed measures to enhance cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Notably, preparations are underway for a major exhibition of Uzbek museum artifacts to be held in Milan in 2026.

Governor Attilio Fontana expressed deep appreciation to the President of Uzbekistan for his attention and comprehensive support for Lombardy’s business initiatives and projects, and reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating broader cooperation with regions across Uzbekistan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev extended his best wishes to Governor Fontana for the successful preparation and hosting of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan.