Canada Trade Mission to Italy

Italy is also a global leader in defence, ranked 10th in the world for military capability, and is investing heavily in next-generation technologies with a C$49 billion defence budget for 2025. The sector remains resilient amid global uncertainty, with growing demand for secure, reliable solutions. Italian defence primes and SMEs are actively seeking Canadian innovation in areas such as military aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), land vehicles, naval systems, cyber defence, and space-based capabilities.  

Italy’s cybersecurity market size was estimated at close to C$6.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach C$10.9 billion by 2029. Italy continues to rank very high in the world and Europe for the number of cyberattacks targeting the country. Over the past years, the number of cyberattacks has rapidly increased in Italy, targeting many different sectors, from government to infrastructure and ICT. 

Italy is home to the 7th largest aerospace industry in the world and the 4th largest in Europe, with a turnover of approximately C$27.4 billion and a workforce of over 50,000 skilled professionals. Representing 8–10% of Italy’s trade, the sector is a cornerstone of the Italian economy. For Canadian aerospace and defence companies, the Italian market offers/presents a unique opportunity to engage with a mature, innovation-driven nation/market that already recognizes Canada as a trusted partner in delivering high-tech, high-quality aerospace solutions. 

Italy is a key player in international aerospace and defence programs, and Canadian firms are well-positioned to benefit from Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITBs) tied to successful Italian bids on Canadian procurement programs—ranging from aircraft upgrades and UAVs to naval and soldier modernization projects. Major Italian primes like Leonardo, Thales Alenia Space, AVIO, and Fincantieri are actively seeking Canadian suppliers and partners, opening their doors to global supply chains and long-term collaboration. With longstanding and ongoing partnerships between the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and its Italian counterparts the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the CSA’s cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), Canadian companies can also tap into joint R&D, innovation exchange, and investment opportunities. 

This trade mission will connect Canadian companies directly with Italian aerospace, defence and security primes, government stakeholders, and industry clusters, supported by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in Italy.   

Italy is undergoing a major infrastructure transformation—and Canadian companies are well poised to benefit from opportunities in the sector. Backed by the EU’s Next Generation Funds, Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) is investing billions into modernizing its infrastructure across transport, energy, urban development, and smart cities. From ports and railways, Italy is a leader in High Speed Rail, to green buildings and smart energy systems, Italy offers a dynamic and well-funded market for Canadian expertise, innovation, and partnerships.

This trade mission will highlight high-potential areas where Canadian companies can lead and collaborate. Key sectors include:

• ports, airports, railway stations, and public transport infrastructure
• smart city development and urban regeneration
• energy infrastructure and storage
• green and sustainable construction systems

Italy’s commitment to nearly zero-energy buildings and its growing demand for energy-efficient retrofits present a significant opportunity for Canadian firms offering advanced building materials, energy systems, and architectural solutions.

Moreover, the Italian government—aligned with EU priorities—is increasing public and private investment to stimulate domestic economic development. A major focus is on making mobility smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient. Key pillars of this strategy include green intermodal mobility, high-speed intercity rail, and enhanced digitalization.

These areas align closely with Canada’s strengths in clean technologies and sustainable design and engineering.

Italy is a leader in Europe’s clean energy transition—and Canadian companies are well-positioned to be part of this transformation. With over C$93 billion allocated through its National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and a bold commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, Italy is investing heavily in renewables, energy storage, circular economy solutions, and decarbonization technologies.  

This trade mission offers Canadian innovators a front-row seat to one of Europe’s most ambitious clean energy overhauls. 

Italy’s Integrated National Plan for Energy and Climate (PNIEC) outlines a clear path to achieving 65% renewable electricity generation by 2030, requiring the addition of 74 GW (gigawatt) of wind and solar capacity, including offshore wind and utility-scale solar. The country is also scaling up energy storage infrastructure, targeting 22.5 GW of capacity by 2030, and exploring hydrogen, CCUS (carbon capture, utilization and storage), and other advanced energy technologies.  

Hydrogen plays a central role in Italy’s long-term energy strategy, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors where electrification is not feasible—such as oil and gas, refining, mining, steel production, and heavy transport.  

Italy is also working to diversify its supply of critical minerals essential to the energy and digital transitions. In October 2024, Canada’s Natural Resources Ministry (NRCan) and Italy’s Ministry of Industry and Made in Italy (MIMIT) issued a joint statement on critical minerals cooperation during the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Industry and Innovation. The agreement outlines joint efforts to reinforce supply chains, promote research and innovation, and share best practices in exploration. 

Additionally, Italy is reviving its dormant mining sector—inactive since the 1980s—through Law Decree 84/2004 and a new C$1.6 billion public fund, matched by private investment Italian mining map (in Italian only). The initiative aims to build a C$3 billion project pipeline across the entire critical raw materials (CRM) value chain, supporting industrial autonomy, the energy transition, and the circular economy. 

Italy is also a European leader in the circular economy, ranking first in the EU for circularity investments and waste recycling. With growing demand for biomaterials, sustainable textiles, and resource efficient technologies, Canadian companies have a unique opportunity to integrate into European supply chains—especially in sectors like fashion, construction, and manufacturing.  

These priorities align closely with Canadian strengths in cleantech, energy and sustainable innovation. 

No matter where you plan to travel, make sure you check the travel advice and advisories page for your destination twice: once when you are planning your trip and again shortly before you leave. Safety and security conditions may change between the date you book your travel and your departure date. 

Italy is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country. 

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel. 

We strongly encourage all participants to complete the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) to receive timely updates and assistance in case of emergencies during travel.

• Travel advice and advisories for Italy 
• Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA)

Please consult the Embassy of Italy in Canada for inquiries regarding entry requirements. Guidance regarding entry requirements for Italy will be provided to confirmed participants. Please note that the Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.

Participants are responsible for organizing and covering their own travel and related costs, including all air and ground transportation, accommodation (a list of suggested hotels will be provided), and meals not covered in the program. Confirmed participants will receive programming details and travel information as it becomes available. 

There is no fee to participate in the trade mission. 

Important: Please make sure to purchase cancellation insurance and/or a refundable ticket in the event that the trade mission dates change or that you can no longer attend.

The Government of Canada, as well as individual provincial and territorial governments offer export financing and other programs that help Canadian businesses expand internationally. Please consult the Business Benefits Finder to find programs and services that might be suitable to your needs.