In his remarks, Senator Giacobbe extended greetings to ICCI Melbourne President Adrian LoGiudice, Secretary General Veronica Misciattelli, Consul General of Italy in Melbourne Chiara Mauri, Italian Ambassador to Australia Nicola Lener, the international delegates and all institutional representatives present.
His speech focused on the role of the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad and their contribution to Italy’s global success.
A special acknowledgment was also directed to Professor Giuseppe Barca, praised “for the outstanding work carried out for humanity and as a confirmation of Italian excellence in the world”.
During his address, Giacobbe highlighted how Italy’s global success is increasingly recognised and emphasised the key role played by the network of Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad.
“The Chambers are part of, and an expression of, a great resource for promoting Italy: the community of Italians around the world, more than 70 million people,” he said, describing a diverse and dynamic global community spanning several generations.
He referred first to the millions of first-generation migrants, including parents and grandparents who helped spread the Italian lifestyle in their countries of adoption.
“They contributed to shaping national cultures, as happened in Australia with its multicultural society,” he said.
“Today, the influence of the Italian lifestyle can be felt across the world, with all that implies in terms of the promotion and trade of Made in Italy.”
The senator also reflected on the role of new migration, particularly highly qualified professionals representing Italian excellence in a wide range of sectors.
“I am also referring to the so-called ‘brain drain’, those talents for whom our country has not always provided the conditions to thrive, and who often still struggle to find the resources and the dignity—not only economic—to return after successful experiences abroad,” he emphasised.
He then spoke about the increasingly central role of second and third-generation Italians abroad.
“They strengthen the Italian identity of their parents in the societies where they live,” he said.
“Perhaps they were not born in Italy, perhaps they do not speak our language fluently, but they carry a deep sense of belonging that they are proud of.
“Today, many hold leading decision-making positions—in politics, major companies, universities and professional organisations. They are the true ambassadors of Italy in the world.”
According to Giacobbe, this human network is precisely the strength behind the Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad.
“Thanks to this extraordinary network, the Chambers can engage with decision-makers, promote major Italian companies, support small and medium-sized enterprises—the backbone of our economy—and identify new opportunities for exchange and cooperation,” he explained.
Speaking about his parliamentary role, the senator reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the internationalisation of Italian businesses.
“I strongly support the internationalisation of Italian enterprises and investment aimed at strengthening the Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad, fully recognising the role of Italian communities around the world,” he said.
“Italy is stronger when it values its citizens abroad and recognises the Chambers of Commerce as operational economic instruments of the Italian community.”
Looking specifically at the Indo-Pacific region, he highlighted the significant opportunities for shared development.
“With such a large and highly qualified presence, we have the opportunity to transform this network into a true engine of collective growth,” he stated.
“By working as a system, strengthening synergies and investing in young people, education and innovation, we can build a new season of economic cooperation based on complementarity, responsibility and shared vision.”
In closing, the senator made an appeal to national policymakers.
“Italian identity abroad is a strategic asset capable of generating trust, relationships and opportunities,” he explained. “I have tried, and will continue, to do my part.”
