Davide La Torre, born in 1973, has recently taken the helm as the Secretary General of the SaudIta Association, which aims to serve as a cultural and economic bridge between Italy and Saudi Arabia. He expresses pride in this new role, stating, "I am proud of this new adventure. I have recently taken on the role of Secretary General of the SaudIta Association, which aims to connect Italian enterprises with Saudi Arabia." La Torre's vision focuses on creating opportunities for Italian companies, particularly noting the potential of the quickly growing Saudi market, which is beginning to diversify beyond just oil.
La Torre's academic background is rooted in Political Science, having graduated in 2000. His career path has included significant international experience, such as six and a half years spent at the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Barcelona, where he also served as the commercial director. This experience has proven invaluable as he transitions to his new responsibilities.
His most recent career move to Riyadh was driven by personal circumstances when his wife received a significant job offer. This coincided with La Torre’s learning about the SaudIta Association during its presentation at the Senate by Senator Cinzia Pellegrino and President Bruno Calvetta. Motivated by the opportunity, La Torre submitted his candidacy and was appointed Secretary General of the organization during January 2025.
Since arriving, significant progress has been made, including established representation offices and initiation of business registration processes within Saudi Arabia. Noteworthy is their participation at the recent “Big Five Construct Saudi” fair along with two of their associates, marking the organization's proactive approach to fostering Italian interests abroad.
On the horizon, La Torre has outlined significant initiatives, including the upcoming event “Passione Italiana-Made with Love” scheduled for April 15, 2025. This date is not random; it commemorates the founding of the SaudIta Association and promotes the essence of “Made in Italy.” He stated, "I'm excited about facilitating my home region’s readiness for the internationalization challenges." Events are also planned for the first week of June 2025 to celebrate the birth of the Italian Republic, demonstratively tying local culture to broader international engagements.
Meanwhile, Edy Tamajo, the regional councilor for Productive Activities, emphasizes the importance of reforming Sicilian business strategies amid modern global expectations. Speaking at the “Dubai: hub dell’area MENASA” conference held on March 16, 2025, Tamajo announced the availability of resources to spur innovation and development across Sicilian communities. He revealed, "My department has important resources to allocate for the innovation and development of Sicilian companies. We want to work together with trade associations and especially young people to define the best investment directions."
The conference, orchestrated with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the UAE, prompted insightful discussions about establishing trade relationships with Dubai and the opportunities within the MENASA regions – signifying Dubai’s pivotal geographical advantages.
Dubai has been spotlighted as a strategic trading hub, necessary for exporting goods and international endeavors. Tamajo’s statements reflect the region's importance, as he noted key sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, and creative industries. "This conference marks an important step to strengthen economic ties between Sicily and the UAE, offering local businesses tools and knowledge to seize market opportunities,” concluded Tamajo. Such collaboration between Sicilian officials and the UAE government indicates promising breadth for economic growth.
Both La Torre's and Tamajo's efforts encapsulate the transformation happening as Italy strengthens its global footprint through strategic partnerships. There’s palpable excitement around these developments, especially within regions like Sicily. Collectively, their actions send the message of readiness: Sicilian companies are prepared to navigate the international business climate and embrace forthcoming challenges with gusto.