Grosseto is strengthening its role as an economic and cultural bridge towards the Balkans. The institutional meeting held yesterday in the City Council chamber represented far more than a simple diplomatic occasion: it was a concrete moment of dialogue between institutions and businesses, aimed at opening new commercial opportunities and fostering international cooperation.
The special guest of the event was Montenegro’s former prime minister, Dritan Abazović, who captured the essence of the initiative with an effective image: “Montenegro is the window through which Maremma can look towards the Balkans.” His message immediately drew the attention of local companies: as many as 24 businesses from the Maremma area took part in the meeting, expressing interest in the Montenegrin market and, more broadly, in the Balkan region.
Hosting the event was the Mayor of Grosseto, Antonfrancesco Vivarelli Colonna, who stressed the strategic importance of creating new commercial outlets for the local productive fabric. At a time when exports from the Grosseto area recorded a 13.2% decline in the first half of 2025, Montenegro represents an attractive economic partner: a country with growing trade exchanges and strong demand for imports, particularly in the sectors of machinery, technology, furniture and high-quality agri-food products. 
Also in attendance were the Consul of Montenegro for Tuscany, Alessandro Giannanti, and Dragutin Mitrovic, member of the Montenegro MEF board, underscoring the shared commitment to building a stable and long-term collaboration between the two territories.
The initiative is part of the broader path promoted by MP Manuel Vescovi, creator of the “Tuscany in the World” project, which was launched with the aim of promoting and showcasing abroad the productive, cultural and territorial excellence of Tuscany and Italy. In recent years, the project has generated tangible opportunities for international dialogue and seeks to strengthen the presence of Italian companies in emerging markets.
Within this framework, the Grosseto meeting represents not only economic promotion but also an exchange of experiences and best practices between territories that share similar characteristics. Maremma and Montenegro, in fact, display significant affinities, ranging from their tourism vocation and environmental heritage protection to the enhancement of high-quality agri-food productions.
A meaningful part of the discussion was also devoted to the cultural dimension of cooperation, seen as a key tool for strengthening ties between communities and fostering deeper mutual understanding. In this context, one of Montenegro’s most evocative symbols was recalled: the renowned fjord-like Bay of Kotor, a unique landscape in the Mediterranean where imposing mountains are reflected in calm, deep waters, telling a story shaped by encounters between peoples, trade and traditions. A powerful image that effectively reflects the spirit of the initiative, focused on building bridges between territories through tourism and culture.
Among the main topics discussed were also sustainable tourism and support for the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises — areas in which synergy between institutions and the business community can generate new opportunities for growth and innovation.
The strong participation of companies and the interest shown during the meeting confirm the growing success of the “Tuscany in the World” initiative, which continues to build bridges between Tuscany and new international markets, enhancing the visibility of Italian excellence and opening concrete prospects for local development.
