Puglia is the focus of events at Expo 2025 Osaka until 17 May, highlighting aerospace, culture, food, and investment. The region is leading activities in the Italy Pavilion during The Future of Community and Mobility Week.
Puglia opened its programme with the exhibition Puglia, Making a Splash in the New Space Economy. It features products and prototypes from local SMEs and startups, selected with help from the Aerospace Technology District (DTA).
Puglia aims to raise global awareness of future mobility and promote regional excellence in aerospace innovation.
Regional councillor Alessandro Delli Noci said the event allows Italy to present itself as a “country system”. He also stressed the opportunity to promote the aerospace supply chain and attract international investors.
Puglia and aerospace
Puglia’s aerospace sector generates more than €1.5 billion in turnover and employed 7,500 people in 2024. Exports reached €326 million last year, with 500 researchers working in the field across the region.
Italy’s Deputy Commissioner at Expo 2025 Osaka, Elena Sgarbi, welcomed the Puglia delegation to the Italy Pavilion. She said Italy’s image abroad often overlooks the country’s strengths in technology and innovation. Puglia’s aerospace industry helps challenge these stereotypes through its pioneering research and production.
Aldo Patruno, director of Puglia’s tourism and culture department, said: “There is no future without memory and identity.”
The region’s programme includes talks, business meetings, and investment events in cooperation with DTA and Aeroporti di Puglia.
Pugliasviluppo and Japanese partners are also taking part in promoting space economy opportunities.
Cultural highlights
Cultural highlights include music and digital art from the Department of Tourism and Pugliapromozione.
The Foundation Pino Pascali and La Notte della Taranta are also involved in the regional showcase. Two iconic works by artist Pino Pascali are on display: 9 Metri Quadrati di Pozzanghere (1967) and Cinque Bachi da Setola e un Bozzolo (1968).
The pieces connect creativity with space exploration, linking art to technological innovation.
Visitors can also discover Puglia: Unexpected Italy, highlighting the region’s five UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In the ‘Exhibition Niche’ area, artisans present handcrafted items selected through an open call. The display celebrates Puglia’s talent in design, craftsmanship, and traditional production methods.
Puglia’s famed cuisine also takes the spotlight during the week at Expo 2025 Osaka.
The agriculture department is presenting DOP, IGP and STG certified foods in partnership with Eataly.
Chef Peppe Zullo is preparing regional tasting menus, sharing Puglia’s Mediterranean culinary heritage with global visitors.
