Gov. Jay Inslee, while visiting Italy this week, met with President Catiuscia Marini of the Umbria Region, Deputy Mayor Michele Fioroni of Perugia –one of Seattle’s sister-cities - and Italian aerospace business leaders. Umbria is home to a robust aerospace cluster and more than 35 companies that are suppliers to Boeing, Mitsubishi and U.S. military aerospace contractors.
Inslee signed a Memorandum of Understanding with President Marini to strengthen collaboration on shared priorities such as aerospace, clean energy, climate change and trade.
“We share many unique interests with Umbria, including further development of our aerospace industries and a commitment to supporting the creation and growth of world-class companies,” Inslee said. “By strengthening this relationship, we will benefit both regions through growing jobs and expanding economic and cultural opportunities.”
Washington exports to Italy include more than $62 million in aircraft, and approximately $58 million in natural materials such as stone, plaster and cement. Other major state exports include medical equipment and titanium.
In 2016, more than $496 million of Italian imports came through Washington state ports.
The MOU promises joint engagement in the commercial, industrial and technological sectors, in areas of:
- Aerospace
- Energy and alternative energy sources
- Climate change
- Trade and commercial investments
- Cultural and creative sectors
The visit to Italy was the last stop of Inslee's 11-day trip to Europe that included a visit to Switzerland to learn about apprenticeship programs and Bonn, Germany to participate in the United Nations climate summit.