The G7 Trade Ministers’ meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, was held in Reggio Calabria and Villa San Giovanni on 16-17 July and ended with the adoption of a final statement.

Reggio Calabria

Overlooking the sea and steeped in history and culture, Reggio Calabria is a vibrant and captivating city. Founded in the 8th century BC, it was one of the most prosperous settlements of Magna Graecia due to its strategic position.

Oriented towards trade and commerce since its inception, the city hosted the ministerial meeting of the Italian G7 Presidency focused on global trade.

Nowadays there are several companies in the Reggio Calabria area that export all over the world. Examples include Hitachi Rail, a leading manufacturer in the production of trains, and companies in the district of bergamot, one of the most popular citrus fruits chosen by perfume manufacturers at global level.

A land of legends and heroes, Reggio Calabria is considered a temple of Mediterranean classicism, preserving its ancient remains and housing the Riace Bronzes, ancient bronze warrior statues that symbolize the region.

In recent years, Reggio Calabria has experienced a remarkable resurgence, known as the Reggio Spring, which has also revitalized the Lungomare Falcomatà. This picturesque waterfront, celebrated by poet Gabriele D'Annunzio as the most beautiful kilometer in Italy, is now enhanced by the adjacent Marina Street, an outdoor contemporary art museum featuring sculptures by Rabarama and Edoardo Tresoldi's Opera installation.

The event programme also involved the Port of Gioia Tauro, which, with over 3.5 million TEUs, is Italy’s leading port for merchandise traffic and the eighth largest port in Europe. It spans an area of 620 hectares and is one of the major infrastructure facilities in the Mediterranean Sea.

Villa San Giovanni

The G7 meeting took place in Villa San Giovanni, a strategic location in Italy's transportation network, serving as the main railway station and port for ferries to Sicily and the islands.

Villa San Giovanni is a city known for its industrious nature and openness to foreign investments.
It was famous for its silkworm farming and spinning mills, and the thriving commerce that developed in the area earned it the nickname little Manchester - a testament to the region's textile industry's similarity to that of the English city, and the significant presence of foreign investors.