Italy’s experience in maintaining its rural landscape in par with the economic developments taking place in the country was documented in a photo exhibition held at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce (JCCI) recently.

The Italian Consulate, in cooperation with the Italian Business Group (IBG) and the JCCI, organized the six-day photo exhibition with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of preserving rural landscapes for economic, social and cultural evolution.

The photo exhibition displays the work of more than 74 researchers belonging to 14 Italian universities and two international institutions.

Adnan Husain Mandora, the secretary general at the JCCI, welcomed businessmen, diplomats and guests on the occasion and expressed the JCCI’s pleasure to be the host of such an event that facilitates strong ties between international businessmen.

“The JCCI is proud of its relationship with Italy. The JCCI has received a number of trade delegations from Italy and Saudi businessmen also visited Italy for mutual cooperation,” he said.

He stressed that the two countries’ mutual cooperation in trade has a long history marked by a number of joint investment agreements, technology transfer and trade between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Simone Petroni, the Italian consul general, explained that this exhibition is a part of a series of cooperative agreements, delegations and student visits aimed at strengthening the economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

In his turn, Bashar Jabban, president of IBG, also welcomed the exhibition and said that the mission of IBG is to promote culture, design and cuisine, as well as trade between Saudi Arabia and Italy.

“This is a great opportunity to highlight the culture of Italy by explaining and showcasing Italian historical rural landscapes, which foster natural beauty and cultural heritage,” he added.

Mauro Agnoletti, a professor from the University of Laurence, shed light on the Italian experience with regard to maintaining the rural landscape and increasing economic, social development and cultural heritage.

Agnoletti explained cultural identity, competitiveness and environmental quality of rural territories and the quality of life according to the initiatives taken to preserve Italian historical rural landscapes.