Interview with Mario Vattani, Ambassador of Italy in Singapore

The Ambassador of Italy in Singapore talks about the activities of the diplomatic office in the city-state, illustrates the results achieved and the potential to be exploited

Interview by Lorenzo Lamperti

Ambassador Vattani, how has the impact with Singapore been and how has the Embassy's activity evolved in these months?

Now that a year has passed since my arrival I can draw a first balance. We took advantage of the first months when, due to the anti-Covid restrictions, it was difficult to have meetings and carry out outward activities to work on structural projects. In particular, we moved headquarters. This is not a simple relocation, but a symbol of Italy's recognition of Singapore's growing importance in the region. South-East Asia will play an increasingly strategic role in the next 20 years and Singapore has a special importance. Previously, this was a small office with few staff, in contrast to the international companies that have long used Singapore as a gateway to the region. The opening of the new Embassy office is part of a dynamic of increased presence in which there has been the opening of the defence office and that of the Bank of Italy.

What are the factors that are making Singapore more and more central?

There are several factors. Certainly, the dynamics of recent years in Hong Kong have also contributed. There is also a constant flow of professionals and companies from China, especially from Shanghai. When I arrived, this process had already started, so we were able to expand. The advantage is that we can now show Singaporeans that there has been a change of pace and the result is that Italy has greater visibility. Both the offices of our representation and the companies themselves. 

What initiatives have been launched since the easing of pandemic restrictions?

We have started a visible action on the ground. For example, the first Italian Festival was organised, a formula I had already used in Japan where I worked as head of the Commercial Office. The basic idea is to multiply a whole series of activities under the same logo without limiting ourselves to the more classic areas of Italy's presence, from food to fashion to tourism. We have also worked on events on science, technology and research. We are trying to make these sides of Italy known as well. Since Singapore is not a manufacturing hub, there is no intimate knowledge of our production system and mechanics, unlike other countries. Japan has been importing high technology made in Italy for decades, while in Singapore they are mostly familiar with our products. Yet here we have large companies present in important infrastructures such as Mapei in the construction of the port. Italian technology is also present in Gardens by the Bay and the underground. We took advantage of the recent Formula One Grand Prix, which really represented Singapore's return to the international scene after the pandemic. We as Italy made a showcase in the Embassy of all the most important companies that are linked to the world of Formula One. Not only Ferrari, but also those who do infrastructure or tires. Even whoever did the lighting was an Italian company. 

How important is it to steer the action on the host country's agenda?

The mistake that is sometimes made in Asia is to arrive here looking at one's navel, instead you have to use the opposite route: look at the other person and adapt to what they do, to make them understand that what I do works for them too. Singapore then is a country with a ruling class that is proud of what it is doing, you have to make them understand that we are the right partner. For example, during design week Italy was the only country present with an exhibition on new materials and Italian start-ups that recycle intelligently. We were the only partner country of the Singapore Design Centre during Design Week. Now thanks to the Farnesina we have the tools to have a more proactive attitude: we have a showroom, the venue is in the centre of the city's Financial District. There is a space called Sala Italia where exhibitions will be held. In fact it is already in operation: Giordano Bruno Guerri just came here for a meeting on D'Annunzio, Pirelli also had its exhibition here. I have signed two decrees making both the residence and the Sala Italia available to companies. 

The bilateral scientific and technological cooperation agreement has also recently come into operation. What benefits can it bring?

The agreement was signed in 2016, but the executive protocol was missing. Since we arrived, we have been scrambling to reactivate it. Now it is finally up and running. There will be several projects also related to startups on which we have ground to make up. The advantage of Singapore is that there is a vast talent hub here and it is a research laboratory with great potential. 

Singapore also plays a significant role politically in the region, as well as economically and financially. 

Absolutely, the ruling class is at a very high level and the local government is listened to and respected everywhere. Singapore plays a very complex game, thanks to its stability and strategic position it plays a role of guarantor for everyone. I would add that there are also interesting lessons for Italy in managing a multi-identity society effectively. Just as one can observe Singapore's experience in the fight against terrorism. These are also issues on which it is good to deepen the bilateral dialogue.