In the framework of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ECM – Ente Certificazione Macchine and KoTHEA (Korea Total Healthcare Ecosystem Association), which took place on May 15, 2026, we continue to gather testimonials from the institutions and key partners supporting this important strategic bridge between Italy and South Korea.

Today we share the contribution of Dr. Maurizio Fabbri (President of the Legislative Assembly of the Emilia-Romagna Region), who took part in the institutional event held in the presence of local authorities and the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Milan.

A STRATEGIC BRIDGE TO ASIA IN THE LIFE SCIENCES SECTOR

For years, Emilia-Romagna has chosen to invest resolutely in internationalization as a structural lever for development. Within this framework, the Memorandum of Understanding signed between ECM and KoTHEA takes on a significance that goes far beyond a formal agreement between organizations. ‘The signing of the MoU marks a concrete step forward in the dialogue between Italy and the Republic of Korea, in a sector – that of Life Sciences and Medical Device certification – which today more than ever requires high-level expertise, an international vision, and the ability to adapt to regulatory and technological changes,’ stated Maurizio Fabbri.

Opening up to the Asian region, and to South Korea in particular, remains a priority direction for the Region, which has recently strengthened its institutional and business cooperation initiatives in the area to build stable bridges based on mutual trust and the exchange of high value-added expertise.

THE ROLE OF ECM WITHIN THE NORMEC GROUP AND THE CENTRALITY OF VALSAMOGGIA

President Fabbri expressed strong appreciation for the growth path undertaken by Ente Certificazione Macchine: ‘Joining the Normec Group and the resulting organizational strengthening represent an example of how businesses in our territory are able to grow while maintaining a strong connection to the local context, while simultaneously projecting themselves on an international scale.’

This balance between local roots and global projection finds its ideal synthesis in Valsamoggia, an area characterized by:

● A strong productive vocation and a widespread network of small and medium-sized enterprises.

● A solid manufacturing tradition integrated with innovation, sustainability, and quality of work.

● Close proximity to Bologna, a European center of excellence for higher education, biomedicine, and advanced mechanics.

GROWTH AND SOCIAL COHESION TO FACE CHANGING MARKETS

According to Fabbri, what makes the Emilia-Romagna model solid on the international stage is the complementarity between economic development and social cohesion: innovation and inclusion, competitiveness and quality of life go hand in hand. In an era marked by profound transformations, geopolitical conflicts, and climate challenges, diversifying economic relations becomes an urgent necessity.

‘Agreements like the one being signed today go exactly in this direction: they help build networks, share standards, facilitate market access, and, at the same time, raise the quality of production processes. They are concrete tools for facing a rapidly changing world,’ concluded the President of the Regional Assembly, wishing all the delegations and professionals involved a long-lasting journey filled with opportunities for innovation and shared growth.