Italy’s Liguria region is strengthening its ties with Georgia through a three-day mission designed to create new opportunities in ports, logistics, international trade, technology, research and tourism.
The delegation began its U.S. program in Savannah on September 23 before continuing to Atlanta through September 25. Led by Massimiliano Nannini, it brings together representatives from Federlogistica, the Ligurian Sea port system, the University of Genoa, Genoa Airport, the Italian Institute of Technology, Liguria International and FILSE, along with Ligurian companies Cactus Holding and Firmamento Technologies.
Savannah provided a natural starting point. The delegation visited the Georgia Ports Authority and Garden City Terminal, one of the key container facilities on the U.S. East Coast. The Port of Savannah handled 5.70 million TEUs in 2025. Even more significant for Italy-U.S. trade, Georgia’s ports and Ligurian ports are already connected by 5 regular container services.
The talks explored how Savannah can strengthen its role as a gateway to the southern United States while Genoa, Savona-Vado and La Spezia expand their function as gateways to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe. Digital freight corridors could make cargo flows between the 2 systems faster and more efficient.
At the World Trade Center Savannah, discussions expanded to international commerce, startups and investment.
In Atlanta, the program includes meetings at the Metro Atlanta Chamber and visits to Tech Square and the Advanced Technology Development Center. Cooperation opportunities range from advanced manufacturing and automation to financial technology, electric mobility and aerospace.
The delegation is also visiting Emory University to discuss artificial intelligence, health technologies, entrepreneurship and technology transfer.
The mission concludes September 25 with meetings focused on logistics, industry, innovation and tourism. The longer-term goal is concrete – turn the Georgia-Liguria relationship into new business, research and investment projects beginning in 2027.
