Last night the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, was the guest of honor of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), one of the most prominent Italian-American organizations in the country, and the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD), which brings together many members of the U.S. Congress. The event was hosted by the Government Affairs Committee of NIAF co-chaired by the Hon. Anita Bevacqua McBride, former assistant to President George W. Bush and Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush, and John Calvelli, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Wildlife Conservation Society, and attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Nancy Pelosi.
“Today’s Italy is the tradition you know well, but Italy is also a leader in innovation, science, hi-tech, sustainability, all fields where our cooperation is growing stronger than ever,” said the Ambassador, emphasizing that Italy is also a protagonist on the global stage, as shown by its chairmanship of the G20 this year.
The event was an opportunity to emphasize the close bonds of friendship and cooperation between Italy and the United States, which span all areas. The contribution of the Italian-American community, and the impressive work of NIAF leadership and members of the Italian-American Congressional delegation, ensure that this close tie continues to thrive and prosper over time.
“Italy’s GDP is projected to grow by more than 6% in 2021. Our export has hit an all-time record of 377 billion euros in the first nine months of this year, also thanks to the 22% increase in our bilateral trade. The US is our main non-EU partner, which generates over 50% of our net foreign surplus” highlighted Ambassador Zappia. The collaboration between the many scientific institutions, researchers and university centers in Italy and the U.S. is increasing in key sectors such as “Life Sciences, Health Technologies; Artificial Intelligence; Advanced Manufacturing; Quantum Technologies, Energy Transition,” she also emphasized.
“Italy and the U.S. are natural allies, trusted partners, close friends. In this chaotic global scenario, our bond counts more than ever. Let us make the most of our partnership and, together, shape the future” the Ambassador concluded.
