Lazio hosts Blue Planet Economy Expoforum in Rome

The Blue Planet Economy Expoforum is being held at Fiera di Roma from October 21 to 24, focusing on the strategic importance of the maritime economy. Supported by the Lazio Region, Lazio Innova, and the Rome Chamber of Commerce, the event brings together institutions, finance, research, and training sectors to discuss sustainable development and technological innovation.

Lazio Region Vice President Roberta Angelilli highlighted the region's significant maritime assets, including 383 kilometers of coastline and over 38,000 businesses operating within the Blue Economy, contributing a 7% value added to the regional economy. The forum also emphasizes education, featuring hackathons for high school students to develop solutions for environmental protection.

A dedicated panel on Blue Finance addressed the necessity of capital and financial tools to drive growth. Discussions included various funding mechanisms such as bank credit, subsidized finance, startup investments, and internationalization support. Financial institutions, including UniCredit, presented options ranging from ordinary credit and nautical leasing to ESG-related incentives designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors like logistics, tourism, and energy.