In the picturesque town of Manzano, the beating heart of wood-furniture production, a new initiative aimed at promoting the internationalization of this key sector was unveiled. The goal is clear: to bring local businesses to expand to broader horizons, overcoming the barriers of the European market and accessing fast-growing markets outside Europe.
A central element of this initiative is the creation of "Export Antennas." These facilities aim to facilitate the entry of wood-furniture companies into strategic target markets, supporting business penetration and development in areas of promising economic opportunities.
Scheduled to be launched by May, the allocation of a €1.4 million call for proposals is a key pillar of the initiative. This funding is intended to concretely support companies in the sector in their transition to new markets. The intent is twofold: on the one hand, to help strengthen the competitiveness of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and on the other, to increase the presence of Made in Italy abroad.
Regional Councillor for Productive Activities, Sergio Emidio Bini, stressed the importance of this call during a panel discussion in Manzano, saying that "accompanying companies to foreign markets is not only an opportunity, but a necessity to keep the regional economy alive and thriving."
The historical experience and know-how of the regional wood-furniture cluster are considered key assets to foster this internationalization process. Indeed, they are distinctive elements that not only guarantee quality, but also uniqueness and innovation, elements that are increasingly in demand globally.
Despite the challenges arising from the current international context, there is full confidence in the ability of local companies to adapt and thrive on new business fronts, thanks to the support provided by this program.
In the context of the event "Export furniture: the challenge of global markets 2025-30," Edi Snaidero, president of the Cluster legno arredo casa Fvg, reiterated the crucial importance of the role the cluster is playing in supporting companies through a structured internationalization path. Snaidero said, "Our goal remains unceasingly to create new growth opportunities for our companies, while maintaining strong ties to the territory and its traditions."
The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region is resolutely committed to supporting local companies, serving as a strategic bridge to important international business opportunities. This involves not only financial support, but also logistical and educational support, ensuring that businesses are ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities offered by global markets.
"We stand by our companies not only with economic incentives, but by activating synergies that can really make a difference," says Bini, emphasizing the shared effort between institutions and production realities to ensure sustainable and competitive economic development.
In summary, the presentation in Manzano marks a significant step toward the expansion of Friuli Venezia Giulia's wood-furniture companies, consolidating their role on international stages while strengthening the region's economic resilience.
