Within the framework of the project “Investment Promotion for Iraq: Phase II”, implemented by UNIDO with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, on 11 June 2021 UNIDO ITPO Italy organized an inspirational lecture for selected members of the Iraqi Industrial Zones Commission, with the aim of presenting success cases of Italian industrial zones located in the northeast of Italy.

In particular, the lecturer Paolo Bellamoli focused on ZIP – Zona Industriale di Padova (Padua Industrial Zone), EZIT – Ente Zona Industriale Trieste (Trieste Industrial Zone Authority), and ZAI – Zona Agricola Industriale (Verona Industrial Agricultural Area).

The lecture allowed participants to better understand the structure of the industrial zones of the northeastern regions in Italy, with the goal of sharing challenges, opportunities and methods of interaction between stakeholders. Indeed, following the approval of the law on industrial zones in the national parliament, Iraq is now developing know-how – also with the support of UNIDO – to make the country’s industrial cities operational. 

An interesting Q&A session was held after the lecture, with the active participation of all attendees from the Industrial Zones High Level Commission and the local private sector representatives.

Insight

ZAI was established in 1948, with the mandate of contributing to urban planning and global development of the Verona territory and economy, with a total area of 10 million square meters and hosting around 1.000 companies and 40.000 employees.

The lecturer, Paolo Bellamoli, is a Senior International Consultant for technical assistance projects, as well as International Projects Director and Director of the International MBA at CUOA Business School. Additionally, he has been Executive Director of a Scientific and Technological institution supporting implementation of cluster policies and SMEs development, with proved experiences in Project Cycle Management with European institutions and UN Agencies in Eastern & Central Europe, Middle East, Northern and Central Africa, Latin America and Asia.