Italy and UK Strengthen Economic Ties with New Trade Partnership

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Italian Export Forum and the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK (ICCIUK) was signed in London on February 19, 2026, signaling a strengthened commitment to economic collaboration between Italy and the United Kingdom. The agreement aims to bolster trade relations and promote economic dialogue between the two countries.

A Strategic Partnership for ‘Made in Italy’

The MoU signing took place at the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK’s headquarters in Soho, London. Representing their respective organizations were Lorenzo Zurino, President of the Italian Export Forum, and Roberto Costa, President of the ICCIUK [Source: Morning Italy]. The partnership is structured as a three-year initiative focused on strengthening, promoting, and expanding ‘Made in Italy’ products and services within the UK market.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The collaboration will encompass a range of activities, including:

• Training programs for businesses, managers, and export professionals
• Networking events
• Market access support
• B2B meetings
• Advocacy initiatives
• Research and analysis of the ‘Made in Italy’ market in the UK

Specific sectors targeted for development include manufacturing, agribusiness, services, and innovation [Source: Morning Italy].

First Italy-UK Forum of Exporting Companies Planned

During the signing ceremony, Lorenzo Zurino announced the organization of the first Italy-UK Forum of exporting companies in 2026. This forum, a collaborative effort between the Italian Export Forum and the ICCIUK, will bring together entrepreneurs, institutions, and international stakeholders to further solidify Italy’s economic presence in the UK [Source: Forbes Italia].

Statements from Leaders

“The signing of this Memorandum represents a strategic step that consolidates the role of the Italian Export Forum as an independent and international platform at the service of Italian companies,” stated Lorenzo Zurino. “London is one of the main global decision-making centers and from here we intend to further strengthen the international projection of our entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Roberto Costa added, “This agreement further strengthens the role of the Chamber of Commerce as an institutional and economic bridge between Italy and the United Kingdom. The collaboration with the Italian Export Forum will allow the development of new concrete opportunities for Italian companies and the consolidation of a structured dialogue between the two economic systems.”

Adapting to a Post-Brexit Landscape

The agreement comes as Italy and the UK navigate a new economic relationship following the UK’s departure from the European Union. Despite Brexit, the partnership recognizes the continued strategic importance of the business relationship between the two countries for many sectors of the Italian economy [Source: Morning Italy].

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures including Domenico Bellantone, Consul General of Italy in London, and Giovanni Sacchi, Director of the ICE Agency in London, along with representatives from the Italian Embassy and leading import, distribution, and logistics companies [Source: Forbes Italia].