Meeting between Confindustria Piemonte and the Australian Ambassador
On 18 September 2026, an institutional meeting was held in Turin between the Australian Ambassador to Italy, Julianne Cowley, and representatives of Piedmont's industrial and economic system. The initiative was organized by Confindustria Piemonte ahead of the anticipated free trade agreement between the European Union and Australia [1][2].
The meeting
The meeting, held in the afternoon, was attended by the president of Confindustria Piemonte, Andrea Amlberto, together with representatives of the region's business community [1]. Ambassador Cowley stated that the free trade agreement "means lower costs, greater certainty, and stronger protection for Italian excellence" [1][2]. Cowley also recalled that the European Union and Australia concluded the agreement after eight years of negotiations, and that a Security and Defence Partnership was signed at the same time, while Australia completed its association process with Horizon Europe [2]. According to Il Torinese, final approval of the agreement is expected in 2027 [2].
Trade relations between Piedmont and Australia
In 2025, trade between Piedmont and Australia totaled 375 million euros, with a trade surplus for Piedmont of around 230 million [1][2]. Piedmont ranks fourth among Italian regions by value of exports to the country, amounting to 302 million euros [1][2]. Piedmont's exports are led by food, beverages and tobacco (41.6% of the total), followed by machinery and equipment (20.1%), transport equipment (9%), pharmaceutical products (6.1%), chemical products (5.8%) and electrical equipment (5%) [1][2]. Imports from Australia totaled 72 million euros, 83.9% of which consisted of agriculture, forestry and fishing products [1][2].
Objectives of the initiative
The president of Confindustria Piemonte, Andrea Amlberto, stated that the meeting aims to "build a network between our production systems and foster new business and investment opportunities," adding that the agreement "will increase the need for connections, services and tools to turn opportunities into new industrial relationships" [1]. According to Il Torinese, the meeting represents "the first step in creating a network of relationships between our production systems" in both trade directions [2].
Related articles: Meeting Between Australia's Ambassador and Piedmontese Businesses
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Sources
- ANSA Piemonte — 18 September 2026
- Il Torinese — 19 September 2026