Liguria and the U.S. state of Georgia are working on a memorandum of understanding covering the maritime economy, ports and digital technology. During the second day of Liguria’s mission to Georgia, the regional delegation met with state representatives and the Metro Atlanta Chamber to discuss what the agreement should include, with the Port of Savannah among the subjects addressed.
The delegation was led by Massimiliano Nannini, chief of staff to Liguria’s regional president. Nannini said the meeting continued the work toward signing the memorandum, with Federlogistica contributing to the discussions. The agreement remains in preparation.
A separate meeting at Delta Air Lines’ headquarters focused on a possible new air connection with Genoa. Regional officials accompanied representatives of Genoa Airport to explore whether discussions with the airline could lead to a commercial agreement. Nannini reported strong interest from Delta, while describing the process toward an agreement as still at its beginning.
Genoa Airport’s managing director, Francesco D’Amico, said contacts with the airline had been underway for about two years. He described the Atlanta meeting as an opportunity to examine possible new services between Genoa and the North American market, including their potential to support tourism in Liguria. No new route was announced.
D’Amico also pointed to recent recognition of Genoa and Liguria by The New York Times and Lonely Planet. The airport, he said, hopes to build on that visibility when pursuing new connections and partnerships.
The delegation’s other meetings focused on technology businesses, research and entrepreneurship. A visit to Tech Square and the Advanced Technology Development Center, which supports startups and technology companies, examined opportunities for collaboration with Liguria.
In Gwinnett County, representatives met with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Partnership Gwinnett to discuss the local economy, its international companies and possible business ties with the Italian region. The agenda covered ports and logistics, global supply chains, advanced manufacturing, water technology, life sciences and tourism.
The afternoon visit to Emory University’s entrepreneurship incubator, The Hatchery, included discussions about artificial intelligence, health technology and ways to turn research into business applications. Participants considered the possibility of developing a program for startups and innovative companies in 2027.
Agostino Massa, a professor at the University of Genoa, said the visits offered opportunities to explore research partnerships and student exchanges. FILSE deputy general manager Maria Nives Riggio highlighted a shared interest in startup support. She said the delegation had presented Liguria’s work in innovation and technology transfer, including the experience of its BIC incubator, drawing interest from the organizations it met.
Alongside the university, airport, Federlogistica and FILSE, the mission included representatives of the Ligurian Sea port system authorities, Agenzia in Liguria, the Italian Institute of Technology and Liguria International.
