The Republic of San Marino Accredited as a “Bridge to Europe” for Turkish Businesses under the Guidance of AIIT and TÜRKONFED

The Institutional and Commercial Mission of the Republic of San Marino to Istanbul, held from June 8th to 10th, 2026, concluded with extraordinary success, exceeding all expectations. Under the strategic guidance of the Italian-Turkish Business Association (AIIT), led by President Giuseppe Laghezza Masci, the Sammarinese delegation laid the foundations for unprecedented bilateral economic cooperation.

A High-Profile Delegation

Reflecting the strategic importance of the event, the delegation of the Republic of San Marino (RSM) was led by the Honorable Secretary of State for Industry, Handicraft, and Commerce, Atty. Rossano Fabbri.

At his side, a unified representation of the country’s economic and academic framework included: Dr. Denis Cecchetti (Director General of the Economic Development Agency – Chamber of Commerce, EDA-CC), Dr. M. Valeria Pasquini (Communication & External Relations Manager, EDA-CC), Dr. Dario Galassi (Director of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and the leadership of the University of San Marino (UNIRSM), represented by Director General Dr. Laura Gobbi and Coordinator Dr. Paula Cenci.

The delegation was also highly supported by the Consul General of San Marino in Türkiye, Dr. Rıza Tevfik Morova, whose local diplomatic facilitation and networking role proved invaluable throughout the meetings.

Top-Level Meetings with Giants of the Turkish Economy

The intensive program, orchestrated to the finest detail, enabled the delegation to interface directly with the nerve centers of Turkish economic and governmental power:

• A working session with DEİK (Foreign Economic Relations Board), hosted by Ms. Lale Cander, President of the Türkiye-Italy Business Council.
• A diplomatic meeting with Ms. Ayşe Sözen Usluer, the Istanbul Representative of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• High-level talks with the ISO (Istanbul Chamber of Industry) and the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye.

San Marino: Flexibility and Tax Advantages to Conquer Europe

The core message delivered to all qualified interlocutors was clear and impactful: providing the Turkish business community with an in-depth understanding of the Republic of San Marino. RSM presents itself to Turkish holdings and enterprises as an ideal platform—a “boutique jurisdiction” capable of offering a unique, favorable tax framework and extraordinary bureaucratic flexibility. San Marino was fully accredited as the perfect “strategic bridge” for expanding into European markets at zero tariffs, bypassing traditional customs and logistical barriers.

TÜRKONFED’s Warm Welcome and the Cross-Sector Session

TÜRKONFED and TÜRKONFED International played a decisive role in the mission’s success. Thanks to the strong institutional bond with AIIT and the prominent presence of TÜRKONFED President Süleyman Sönmez, General Secretary Arda Batu, and TÜRKONFED International President Burak Pehlivan, the afternoon session on June 9th was transformed into a major cross-sector debate involving the presidents of various Turkish trade federations.

The triumph of the mission was celebrated during an exclusive gala evening at the renowned Cha Cha restaurant, overlooking a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. There, President Sönmez delivered an authoritative opening speech, sealing the deep friendship and convergence of goals between the two entities.

Looking to the Future: TÜRKONFED to Visit San Marino

AIIT’s driving momentum does not stop here. To further reinforce these results and capitalize on the strong interest shown by Turkish partners, President Giuseppe Laghezza Masci announced the next strategic step: inviting the leadership and federations of TÜRKONFED on an official fact-finding mission directly to the Republic of San Marino.

In the coming days, official coordination will begin with Secretary of State Atty. Rossano Fabbri and Director Denis Cecchetti to plan and organize the hospitality for this important incoming mission.