Rome - October 24, 2025
H.E. Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the National Competitiveness Center, has successfully concluded a two-day official visit to Rome, accompanied by a high-level delegation. The visit aimed to boost the economic partnership between both friendly countries, as well as participate on the Saudi-Italian Business Forum, which brought together 200 public and private sector leaders from both sides.
During the visit, H.E. Dr. Al-Kassabi held a series of ministerial meetings attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Italy, HRH Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz. The discussions highlighted the promising opportunities emerging under Saudi Vision 2030 and encouraged Italian companies to expand their operations in high-growth sectors such as tourism & hospitality, architecture & furniture, fashion & luxury goods, retail & e-commerce, and luxury mobility & yachting.
Today, H.E. Dr. Al-Kassabi met with several Italian ministers, including Italy's Minister of Defense, Mr. Guido Crosetto, and Minister for Enterprises & Made in Italy, H.E. Adolfo Urso. Discussions focused on strengthening trade cooperation, leveraging mutual investment opportunities, and promoting the exchange of expertise and knowledge between the private sectors of both nations.
The Saudi delegation also visited the headquarters of FENDI, where H.E. Dr. Al-Kassabi met with senior executives and learned about the company's global operations across 35 countries. The visit included a tour of the “Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana," the historic architectural landmark that serves as the brand's main headquarters in Rome.
On the first day of the visit, H.E. Dr. Al-Kassabi held meetings with H.E. Elisabetta Casellati, Minister for Institutional Reforms and Regulatory Simplification of Italy, H.E. Valentino Valentini Deputy Minister of Enterprise & Made in Italy, and Mr. Marco Osnato, Chairman of the Saudi–Italian Parliamentary Friendship Committee. Discussions addressed enhancing the business environment, streamlining regulatory procedures, and benefiting from Italy's small & medium-sized enterprises “SMEs" model. The meetings also explored opportunities to launch joint Saudi–Italian business accelerators and to attract Italian e-commerce companies to expand their presence in the Saudi market.
The Saudi delegation included senior officials from the Ministries of Commerce; Investment; and Industry and Mineral Resources; as well as the Public Investment Fund; Saudi Red Sea Authority; National Competitiveness Center; Saudi Business Center; E-commerce Council; Architecture and Design Commission; Fashion Commission; and several representatives from other national companies.
