Genoa (Italy) - Da Nang strengthen cooperation in investment, tourism, cultural innovation

The workshop concretised the initial cooperation content between Da Nang and Genoa, based on the Memorandum of Understanding establishing friendly and cooperative relations between the two localities signed in January 2025.

On that basis, Da Nang and its partners will implement and promote specific contents, programs, and working plans in various fields in order to strengthen exchanges and development cooperation.

The event attracted nearly 50 delegates from government agencies, enterprises, business associations, and universities. It not only demonstrated strong interest in the potential for cooperation between the two localities but also served as a vivid testament to the increasingly growing friendly relations between Da Nang and Genoa.

These two historic port cities share outstanding values in maritime culture, trade, tourism and innovation.

At the opening session, Genoa Vice Mayor Tiziana Beghin and Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Anh Thi both affirmed their determination to enhance the quality of cooperation at the local level.

Vietnam’s Ambassador to Italy, Nguyen Phuong Anh, outlined three core pillars of cooperation: maritime economy-logistics-smart urban development; tourism-culture; and education-research-innovation. This interconnected framework lays a solid foundation for both cities to evolve into strategic gateways linking Italy with the Southeast Asian region.

To realize that vision, the discussion session on economy, culture and tourism opened a space for candid exchanges. A representative of the Da Nang Department of Foreign Affairs presented an overview of the city’s potential and position in the new context following its administrative boundary expansion.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism clarified the city’s orientation toward developing the cultural and creative industries, as well as sustainable eco-tourism.

Also, Da Nang proposed that both sides strengthen exchanges in arts and culture, connect and develop Genoa’s strengths in marine sports, and jointly promote tourism to boost two-way visitor flows.

In the field of education, Professor Paola from the University of Genoa expressed desire to establish joint training programs for high-quality human resources, particularly in maritime studies and the green economy, in cooperation with universities in Da Nang.

The connection between policy and practice was further concretized at the business dialogue session. Representatives of Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and the Genoa Chamber of Commerce analyzed competitive advantages and opportunities to capture investment flows in Da Nang.

Italian corporations and enterprises affirmed that Da Nang is an attractive investment destination, particularly in projects related to the marine economy, green economy, automation, and new technologies.

At the closing session, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Nguyen Dinh Vinh thanked the authorities of Genoa, the Embassy of Vietnam in Italy, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam for their close coordination in successfully organizing the conference.

He stressed that the Da Nang-Genoa cooperation framework, initiated through this event, marks a step toward deeper and more substantive engagement in the future.

Both cities will work together to develop a concrete cooperation roadmap, focusing on priority and complementary strengths, including the maritime economy, green growth, logistics, creative industries and education.

This conference concluded successfully,opening a new chapter in practical cooperation between the two cities and reinforcing Da Nang’s momentum toward deeper international integration and sustainable development.