-Technological excellence to be promoted - Councillor Delli Noci-

 OSAKA, May 13, 2025/ANSA=Kyodo JBN/--

The aerospace industry, local food and wine, investments, music, art and culture are central to Puglia's presentation at Expo 2025 Osaka, where the region will be the protagonist until May 17 of events, debates and exhibits organized at the Italy Pavilion.

The week opens with the inauguration of the show 'Puglia, making a splash in the new space economy' with an exhibition of products and prototypes made by small and medium-sized companies and innovative startups in the southern region, selected with the collaboration of the Technological aerospace district (DTA).

 The Region is in fact taking part in The Future of Community and Mobility Week at Expo with the aim of raising the international community's awareness on the impact of future mobility, promoting regional technological excellence and presenting the investment opportunities in the aerospace sector offered by Puglia.

Expo 2025 Osaka is an occasion "enabling Italy to present itself as a country system while at the same time showcasing territories with their identities and specific qualities", said Puglia's Councillor Alessandro Delli Noci.

According to the councillor, this occasion will allow to "promote the sector's technological excellence and present opportunities of cooperation and investment in the region as part of a widespread and articulated aerospace supply chain".

The sector is strategic for the regional economy, as shown by the figures reported by Delli Noci: "The turnover of Puglia's aerospace industry is worth over 1.5 billion euros, exports reached some 326 million in 2024, the employees active in the aerospace sector in Puglia are 7,500 and the researchers are 500".
   

Puglia's delegation was welcomed by Elena Sgarbi, the Deputy Commissioner for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka.

The image presented by the country at the Italy Pavilion is "much more diverse than the one normally known abroad, where art and culture are appreciated everywhere, but there isn't always awareness about the technological wealth and innovativeness of pioneer sectors in which Italy has a prominent role", such as Puglia's aerospace industry.

 "There is no present, no future without the knowledge of one's history, identity, memory", said Aldo Patruno, director of the Department of tourism, the economy, culture and the promotion of the territory of the Puglia region.

The agenda dedicated to the region will include many events focusing on development and investment opportunities in the new space economy, organized in cooperation with DTA, Aeroporti di Puglia and Pugliasviluppo, with the involvement of institutional and Japanese partners.

Initiatives will also showcase local art, digital innovation and folk music, among others, with the participation at Expo 2025 Osaka of the Department of Tourism and Culture together with the regional Agency Pugliapromozione which organized activities with the Foundation Pino Pascali and the Foundation La Notte della Taranta.

The exhibit will in fact become more precious thanks to the exhibition copy of the masterwork on display at Bari's Pinacoteca Metropolitana Corrado Giaquinto "9 metri quadrati di Pozzanghere" (9 square metres of Puddles, 1967) by Puglia artist Pino Pascali, a masterwork representing art and innovation, exemplifying the connection between creativity and technology, which evokes a surface on earth that is full of water (with holes representing cradles of vital elements), as well as a lunar surface exploring space.

The public in Osaka will also be able to enjoy the multimedia and interactive installation 'Cinque bachi da setola e un bozzolo' (Five 'bristle worms' and a cocoon , 1968).

The two iconic masterworks by the artist will be showcased to the international public thanks to the cooperation with the Fondazione Pino Pascali.

Also on the agenda is the event 'Puglia: Unexpected Italy, 5 World Unesco Heritage Sites'.

Moreover, in the 'Exhibition niche' space, Puglia will showcase a selection of objects of design and traditional products handcrafted by local artisans, celebrating the talents selected through an open call organized by the department promoting trade, craftsmanship and the internationalization of businesses.

Special attention is also devoted to excellence in the agrifood sector and local cuisine.
The Department of agriculture, rural and environmental development, in line with the 2024-2026 three-year program for the promotion of Puglia's high-quality food products and nutrition education and thanks to the cooperation with Eataly, will present traditional food products as well products with the quality marks DOP (protected designation of origin), IGP (protected geographical indication) and STG (guaranteed traditional specialties).

It will give guests the opportunity of tasting special menus, with the participation of Chef Peppe Zullo, an ambassador of the cuisine of Puglia and the Mediterranean area in the world.

Source: General Commissioner’s Office of Italy for Expo 2025 Osaka