ANFAO signs memorandum of understanding to promote Italian fashion abroad
Signed yesterday in Rome in the presence of Minister Tajani, the agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation aims to support the internationalization of Italian companies, protect Made in Italy, and combat counterfeiting
ANFAO (National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers), together with Altagamma, the National Chamber for Italian Fashion, Confartigianato Moda, CNA Federmoda, CNA Orafi, Confindustria Fashion Accessories, Confindustria FEDERORAFI, Confindustria Moda, and Uniontessile Confapi, signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday at Villa Madama in Rome with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). This agreement is designed to support Italian fashion companies in their international expansion, enhance the value of Made in Italy, and strengthen efforts against counterfeiting.
The memorandum will boost the competitiveness of Italian fashion companies in foreign markets by promoting Italian manufacturing excellence and the unique know-how that has always distinguished the sector. Key values such as sustainability, innovation, and education will be at the core of this initiative. At the same time, efforts to combat counterfeiting will be intensified, as this phenomenon not only harms the reputation of Italian businesses but also endangers consumers, who must be assured of high-quality and safe products.
The topics addressed in the memorandum fully align with the strategic priorities of Lorraine Berton, President of ANFAO, who has consistently worked to ensure the competitiveness and global visibility of Italy’s eyewear industry. “This agreement formalizes collaboration with institutions to support our businesses and serves as a manifesto of our collective commitment to tackling future challenges together,” stated Lorraine Berton. “Internationalization, the protection of Made in Italy, and the fight against counterfeiting are key pillars of our Association’s strategy. This is an important achievement that confirms the strength and global relevance of the sector, recognizing the value and excellence of our companies. The signing of this agreement marks the continuation of a journey that, I am confident, will bring tangible benefits to the entire supply chain.”
Starting in 2025, MAECI plans to launch a thematic series dedicated to the fashion, jewelry, and eyewear industries: the "Italian Fashion Days Worldwide." Featuring a flexible format, the initiative aims to provide widespread and continuous visibility for Made in Italy in key international markets. The first countries to host the event will be Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, India, and the United States, with support from the diplomatic and consular network, Italian Cultural Institutes, and ICE-Agency offices.
Additionally, priority countries have been identified for initiatives focused on combating counterfeiting: the United States, Brazil, China, and Turkey. This approach will ensure a coordinated promotional effort, tailored to the specific characteristics of each market.
During the event, a technical meeting—the “Fashion Table for Internationalization”—was also held with industry associations and representatives of the Italian System (MAECI, MIMIT, the Guardia di Finanza, ICE, CDP, SACE, and SIMEST) to discuss strategies and priorities for the sector’s internationalization. A roundtable discussion featuring the presidents of the participating associations also took place, attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani and moderated by journalist Sennait Ghebreab, focusing on innovation, education, sustainability, and Made in Italy.