Tuscany and Rhode Island Explore New Economic Partnerships at Florence Forum

Representatives from Tuscany and the US state of Rhode Island met in Florence on Friday for the first Rhode Island–Tuscany Economic Partnership Forum, an initiative aimed at expanding economic cooperation between the two regions.

Held at Palazzo degli Affari, Florence’s conference centre near Santa Maria Novella railway station, the event brought together business executives, public officials and representatives of cultural and civic organisations. Discussions focused on investment, tourism, healthcare, economic development, philanthropy and the arts.

The forum sought to turn a longstanding cultural relationship into opportunities for business partnerships and institutional cooperation.

From cultural exchanges to economic cooperation

Relations between Florence and Rhode Island have developed over more than 25 years, largely through Splendor of Florence, a cultural festival founded in Providence, Rhode Island’s capital, in 1999 by Joyce Acciaioli Rudge.

The relationship also has earlier historical roots. Following the devastating flood that struck Florence on 4 November 1966, Rhode Island contributed to international efforts to help the city protect its artistic heritage.

Lorenzo Becattini, president of Firenze Fiera, the company managing Florence’s main exhibition and conference venues, welcomed the American delegation and presented the city’s facilities for international events.

Becattini said that cultural exchanges had helped establish lasting connections between the two communities and could now provide a foundation for closer economic relations.

Joyce Acciaioli Rudge, president of Splendor of Florence, described the forum as an extension of the organisation’s work, moving beyond artistic and cultural exchanges to include business, tourism, healthcare and economic development.

The aim, she explained, was to establish partnerships that would continue beyond the meetings taking place this week.

The importance of the US market for Florence

Economic relations with the United States were a central theme of the discussions.

Massimo Manetti, president of the Florence Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of the American market for the local economy.

According to figures presented by Manetti, the United States accounts for 23.8% of exports from the province of Florence. The US is also the largest source market for international visitors to the city.

These figures underline the economic significance of transatlantic relations for Florence, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, tourism and services.

Jeffrey Hirsh, a Rhode Island entrepreneur, also contributed to the discussions on strengthening connections between the two business communities.

Investment, tourism and conference industry

The forum included thematic sessions examining potential areas of cooperation.

A panel on economic development brought together Liz Catucci, executive director of Partnership for Rhode Island, and Giuseppe Salvini, secretary-general of the Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Their discussion addressed strategies to attract investment, support companies seeking international markets and strengthen commercial exchanges between Tuscany and Rhode Island.

Tourism and the meetings industry were another focus.

Florence’s councillor for economic development, tourism, trade fairs and conferences, Jacopo Vicini, participated alongside Laura Masi, president of Fondazione Destination Florence, the organisation involved in promoting the city as a visitor and conference destination.

The Rhode Island delegation included Kristen Adamo, president and CEO of GoProvidence, Daniel McConaghy, executive director of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, and hospitality industry representative Dale Venturini.

Participants examined opportunities for joint destination promotion, attracting international events and developing more sustainable tourism and conference activities.

Healthcare and cultural institutions

Healthcare cooperation was discussed by Henry Sachs, president of Bradley Hospital in Rhode Island, and Professor Giuseppe Indolfi, director of medical paediatrics at Florence’s Meyer Children’s Hospital.

Their participation opened discussions on potential collaboration between healthcare institutions in the two regions, although no specific joint projects were announced in the information released about the forum.

The final thematic session focused on arts and culture, the field that originally brought the two communities together.

David Beauchesne, executive director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, met with Mario Curia, president of the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, an institution associated with Florence’s musical and operatic tradition.

The programme concluded with an address by David Cicilline, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, a philanthropic organisation based in the US state.

What comes next?

The forum marked an attempt to give a more structured economic dimension to relations that have developed primarily through cultural initiatives.

The discussions identified several possible areas of cooperation, from investment and international trade to healthcare, tourism and the performing arts.

However, the organisers did not announce specific investment agreements, funding commitments or implementation schedules.

The next measure of the initiative’s impact will therefore be whether the contacts established in Florence lead to concrete projects and sustained cooperation between businesses and institutions in Tuscany and Rhode Island.

(Photos from Firenze Fiera press office)

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