Italian Envoy: Investment and Innovation at Heart of Upcoming Visit

His Excellency Andrea Catalano, Ambassador of the Italian Republic, highlighted how recent high-level contacts, energy cooperation, and cultural exchanges have paved the way for a milestone visit centered on investment, innovation, and people-to-people ties.

Q: How does the upcoming visit of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to Italy reflect the depth and direction of Bahrain–Italy relations?
A: Relations between Bahrain and Italy are entering a dynamic new phase, marked by frequent high-level engagements that signal a renewed commitment to cooperation and shared prosperity. Earlier this year, Italy’s Prime Minister visited Bahrain for productive talks with His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness, underscoring support for Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and exploring opportunities in energy transition, cultural diplomacy, and economic diversification. His Majesty also made an informal summer visit to Italy, reflecting the personal warmth between leaders and paving the way for deeper dialogue. The forthcoming official visit is expected to be a milestone, focusing on investments, trade, defense, education, tourism, and green technology. These exchanges embody a shared vision rooted in trust, innovation, and the pursuit of a more interconnected and resilient future.

Q: What specific outcomes or agreements do you expect from this high-level visit, particularly in trade, investment, and innovation?
A: We anticipate discussions that will expand cooperation in investment and trade, especially in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. There is strong potential in agri-tech and food security, as well as in luxury partnerships, tourism, and heritage projects. Education and innovation will also feature prominently, with universities and research institutions seeking partnerships to encourage academic exchange, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. Healthcare and medical technology are emerging fields where collaboration can provide advanced solutions to support Bahrain’s modernization.

Q: Italy has a strong reputation in design, technology, and green energy. How do these areas align with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 priorities?
A: Italy’s expertise in solar power, smart grids, and policy innovation aligns closely with Bahrain’s efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce emissions. Italian engineering and design capabilities also complement Bahrain’s diversification agenda, making our partnership both natural and strategic.

Q: From your perspective, what makes Bahrain a unique partner for Italy compared to other countries in the region?
A: Our partnership rests on trust, shared outlook, and complementary strengths. Bahrain offers a flexible and innovation-friendly economic environment, while Italy contributes industrial expertise in energy, agri-tech, luxury, tourism, education, and healthcare. Together, this creates a high-trust platform for practical and future-oriented collaboration.

Q: Can you share examples of ongoing collaborations that could be elevated during this visit?
A: Energy cooperation is already strong. The Bapco Modernisation Programme, Bahrain’s largest-ever industrial investment, has significant Italian involvement in expanding capacity, improving efficiency, and enhancing product quality. A memorandum between Bahrain’s Sustainable Energy Authority and Technip Energies also sets the stage for joint projects in offshore exploration, coastal wind power, and green hydrogen. At the policy level, regular ministerial exchanges have reinforced national sustainability goals, particularly emissions reduction and energy efficiency.

Q: Many in Bahrain are eager to see cultural and educational ties strengthened. What initiatives might we expect?
A: Several initiatives are already underway. La Sapienza University of Rome partners with the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence through the King Hamad Chair for interfaith dialogue. Bahrain Polytechnic has signed an agreement with Fondazione Links, affiliated with Politecnico di Torino, to drive innovation in digital transformation. More academic mobility is planned, with Bahraini universities signing MoUs on exchange and scholarships that highlight Italy’s commitment to nurturing talent. On culture, the Centre for Italian Language and Culture at RUW has been active since 2019, alongside creative exchanges such as textile design workshops at Lyria Academy and student-led fashion shows in Bahrain. The Embassy also runs a vibrant cultural program, with upcoming highlights including an October concert by Eugenio Bennato, a photography exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum, an opera evening with Cristiana Arcani and Andrea Vigna-Taglianti, and the Week of Italian Cuisine. Looking ahead, we are exploring archaeological research partnerships to support Bahrain’s rich heritage through joint excavations and scholarly exchange.

Q: How is Italy positioning itself to support Bahrain’s diversification goals in tourism, food security, and renewables?
A: In tourism, there are opportunities for joint initiatives in hospitality, heritage conservation, and curated cultural experiences. In food security, Italian innovation in hydroponics and food processing can enhance Bahrain’s local production and resilience, while expanding access to premium Italian products in Gulf markets. In renewables, Italy’s proven expertise in solar and smart energy integration will be central to supporting Bahrain’s clean energy ambitions.

Q: In the current global climate, stability and partnerships are key. How do you view Bahrain’s role as a bridge between Europe, the GCC, and beyond?
A: Italy values dialogue, multilateralism, and regional stability—principles that align with Bahrain’s diplomatic approach. Through our role in the European Union, Italy can serve as a bridge between Bahrain and European institutions to deepen cooperation in energy transition, maritime security, cultural diplomacy, and interfaith dialogue. We also aim to amplify Bahraini initiatives, such as the King Hamad Global Centre, in European forums, ensuring Bahrain’s perspectives are heard on trade, climate, and security.

Q: What message would you like to send to Bahraini businesses and investors about opportunities in Italy as this visit unfolds?
A: This is a prime moment to forge partnerships in areas where our strengths complement each other. From green technologies and smart industry to luxury, tourism, education, and healthcare, there is considerable room for joint ventures, franchising, applied research, and technology transfer. The momentum created by leader-level engagement is opening practical, investable opportunities.

Q: Over the next decade, how do you envision Bahrain–Italy relations evolving, and what role will this visit play?
A: With shared ambition and strategic investment, our partnership is poised to enter a new era of prosperity. This visit consolidates recent achievements and sets a roadmap covering energy, industry, culture, education, healthcare, and tourism. We also look forward to Bahrain’s upcoming GCC presidency and the EU–GCC Summit next year as further platforms to advance joint priorities and build inclusive, forward-looking alliances.