-Here at Expo to boost relations with Japan and beyond says Cirio-

OSAKA, Oct. 3, 2025/ANSA=Kyodo JBN/ -- 

Piedmont is taking centre stage at Expo 2025 Osaka as a region that aims to consolidate its role in Japan not only during the universal exhibition but also in the years to come.

    This message was delivered during a meeting at the Italy Pavilion attended by Piedmont Governor Alberto Cirio, Tourism, Agriculture and Food Councillor Paolo Bongioanni, Turin Mayor Stefano Lo Russo and the Dean of Turin's Polytechnic University Stefano Corgnati, who were welcomed by the Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka, Ambassador Mario Vattani.

    "Piedmont comes to Expo with a complete offering: innovation, agri-food, beauty and history", said Vattani.

    "The region presents itself as a trustworthy and top quality partner", he observed.

    The relationship between Piedmont and Japan is deeply rooted in history, recalled Governor Cirio.

    "Piedmont has been a protagonist since the origins of the relationship with Japan.

    "In 2025 we will celebrate the 160 years of the treaty signed by Admiral Arminjon, from Piedmont, and for the occasion we will curate the translation of the diary of that journey, preserved in Turin", said Cirio.

    Cirio explained that this "is the symbol of the willingness to further strengthen a connection that can create new opportunities for our companies and for the internationalization of the Piedmont system".

    In addition to cultural and institutional diplomacy, Expo is also an economic and scientific showcase.

    "Turin's Polytechnic is present with projects that concern aviation and space", stressed Mayor Lor Russo.

    "It is a sign of the value of Turin's and Piedmont's system, which is able to present itself on the international scenario with institutions, research and businesses".

    The message was also stressed by Dean Corgnati: "Universities must be ambassadors of Italianness, increasing the mobility of students and creating true academic relations".

    The promotion of agri-business and, in particular, rice farming are at the centre of Piedmont's mission, stressed Councillor Bongioanni.

    "Italian rice represents 50% of Europe's production and Piedmont boasts Europe's only IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) rice - Baraggia", he explained.

    "In Japan, farming is experiencing a phase of production crisis and this can open an extraordinary opportunity for our products", stressed the regional councillor.

    He explained that "three weeks ago in Vercelli we launched Risò, with the first international rice fair and buyers from around the world, including six from Japan".

    According to Bongioanni, Expo can act as a springboard to consolidate this position: "Our rice is excellent from a quality standpoint.

    "Now it is necessary to create promotional opportunities forsellers and buyers to bring it to markets.

    "With events like the dinner in Osaka, with Piedmont's rice and Alba white truffle, we can generate attention and resources".

    The councillor also recalled global challenges like climate change, new plant diseases and market shifts.

    "In order to be competitive, we must invest in research, innovation and diversification", he said.

    "We can't afford to repeat mistakes like in the hazelnut sector, where the lack of investments led to strong losses in production", stressed the councillor.

    He added that, "at the same time, it is necessary to diversify on international markets: if Piedmont's wine suffers due to US tariffs, we must also eye India and Asia.

    "But Expo represents a natural bridge towards Japan, especially for rice and (products of) excellence like Fassona meat", he concluded.

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