On June 27, 2025, a delegation of Uzbekistan’s leather industry representatives held a series of high-level meetings in Arzignano — the industrial heart of Italy’s Veneto region. This visit marks not only the continuation of bilateral cooperation, but also a symbolic step forward in Uzbekistan’s entry into the European leather market.

The first stop was at Acque del Chiampo S.p.A., one of Italy’s largest water treatment companies. The enterprise manages not only household wastewater, but also operates a dedicated industrial sewage system for over 130 leather companies, with more than 42 treatment facilities serving the equivalent of 1.7 million residents.

During the meeting, a proposal was made to launch cooperation in building similar environmental facilities in Uzbekistan — particularly in the Tashkent region and the city of Nukus. Initial project concepts are being developed, with plans to implement Italian technological solutions locally.

The next visit was to Conceria Ferrari, a company founded in 1946 and now supplying leather to world-renowned brands such as Hermès. Notably, Conceria Ferrari already imports crust leather from Uzbekistan’s Orient Technology LLC, indicating that Uzbek products meet European standards.

The delegation toured the factory, studied production processes, ecological compliance, and international certifications (such as LWG Gold and ICEC), and discussed opportunities to deepen collaboration.

Later, the delegation met with the Arzignano City Administration, where they were received by Deputy Mayor for Investments Riccardo Masiero. Discussions focused on the infrastructure of Arzignano’s industrial zone, investor attraction strategies, and the potential to apply this experience in Uzbekistan. The Italian side supported the idea of organizing a reciprocal visit of Arzignano zone representatives to Uzbekistan.

One of the day’s most strategic meetings was held with Giorgio Veronesi, President of the Italy–Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce. The parties agreed on the following points:

🔹 Promoting Uzbek leather products at international exhibitions in Italy;

🔹 Organizing short-term training and internship programs in Italy for Uzbek specialists;

🔹 Assisting in finding Italian buyers for Uzbekistan’s wet-blue and crust leather exports;

🔹 Ensuring Italian participation in UzCharmExpo – Eurasia 2025 in Uzbekistan.

Both sides agreed to renew their current memorandum of cooperation. The Chamber expressed readiness to bring the partnership to a practical level.

This visit to Italy was significant not only in economic terms but also in terms of environmental policy and international trade diplomacy. Uzbekistan’s leather industry is gaining increasing recognition globally — thanks to its quality, strategic ambition, and readiness for global integration.