The joint declaration was signed this morning between the Puglia Region and UNIDO ITPO Italy, the Italian Office for the Promotion of Technology and Investments of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, aimed at promoting industrial cooperation in developing countries. Development.
The agreement – which is based on the affinity between the mandate of UNIDO ITPO Italy to promote the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging economies, and the proactivity of the Puglia Region in various international cooperation initiatives – was reached following mutual consultations between the Director of UNIDO ITPO Italy, Diana Battaggiaand the Councilor for Economic Development of the Puglia Region, Alessandro Delli Noci.
“The signing of this document – declares Delli Noci – represents a further step in the framework of the numerous initiatives in the field of international cooperation that the Puglia Region carries out through its structures and offices. In particular, as the Department of Economic Development, we believe it is essential to promote innovation as a key driver of progress and growth: in line with the Regional Smart Specialization Strategy (S3), Puglia has implemented measures to support micro and small companies for technological and industrial innovation activities, digitalisation and energy and environmental transition and to develop the qualification of skills. The objective is the creation of a skills hub and a network of businesses in the area to facilitate digital innovation and stimulate synergies with local SMEs, the academic and research world which can represent important know-how to be transferred to the countries being developed to improve the competitiveness of the economic system. The agreement with UNIDO therefore derives from the common desire to implement industrial projects that strengthen collaboration between entities and SMEs through the mobilization of investments, the transfer of technologies and the development of managerial skills”.
“This is an important step – comments Battaggia of UNIDO -: this joint declaration will now have the aim of promoting industrial cooperation through capacity building activities, exchange of knowledge and know-how such as seminars, training programs and other initiatives, involving local authorities, academic institutions and businesses in order to create a solid and collaborative network to share best practices, technological innovations and economic development strategies of the Puglia Region, strengthening its role as a key player in the panorama of international cooperation and encouraging implementation in Developing Countries of joint projects, aimed at accelerating inclusive and sustainable industrial development in line with the mandate of UNIDO and the United Nations 2030 Agenda”.
Instrumental to the signing of the agreement with the Puglia Region – also supported by Enzo Tucci, Founder and Member of the Committee of Diligentia ETS, the Italian Association for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainable Development – was also the consolidated and decades-long collaboration between UNIDO ITPO Italy and the main Italian institutions, including various Regions, as well as the signing of joint declarations also with local excellences such as Acquedotto Pugliese, in which case they have already started interesting international industrial cooperation projects.
