The Consul General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City, Alessandra Tognonato, recently gave an interview to the Valdostan newspaper La Vallée, in which she shared her professional background and the strategic vision of the Consulate General in Vietnam.
A career diplomat with experience in complex and significant postings such as Buenos Aires, Cairo, and Berlin, the Consul highlighted how serving abroad represents a unique opportunity to promote Italy around the world, combining economic, cultural, and scientific diplomacy.
“I consider the diplomatic profession the most fascinating job in the world: beyond the honor of representing Italy, it offers the privilege of engaging with people, topics, and situations that are always different and inspiring.”
During the interview, the Consul described the main priorities of the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City — the only Italian consular office in the entire Southeast Asian region:
“Our work focuses on promoting Italy and its excellence, supporting exports, attracting investments, and enhancing the country’s reputation through language, culture, science, technology, and innovation.”
Emphasizing Ho Chi Minh City’s role as one of the region’s main economic engines, the Consul also noted that Vietnam has become an increasingly important partner for Italy.
“With its 100 million inhabitants and an economic growth rate that exceeded 7% in 2024, Vietnam offers enormous opportunities for collaboration for Italian companies, particularly in high value-added sectors.”
The full interview is available on the website of La Vallée newspaper.
