Italy and Japan have signed a new bilateral cooperation agreement focused on bridge infrastructure and engineering innovation. The agreement was formalized during a meeting in Rome between Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Matteo Salvini and Japan’s Vice Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Fujiwara Takashi, alongside Hiroshi Nakano, head of Japan’s National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management (NILIM).
The deal establishes a framework for collaboration between Italy’s National Council of Roads (CSLLPP) and NILIM, with a particular focus on the construction, maintenance, and monitoring of bridges. Both countries face the challenge of managing aging infrastructure and are seeking to share knowledge and best practices in materials science, seismic resilience, and digital monitoring technologies.
Salvini described the agreement as a step toward “exchanging experiences and developing joint standards that can make our infrastructure safer and more durable.” He emphasized the importance of international collaboration to address climate-related risks and technological disruptions in transportation networks.
The memorandum comes amid broader efforts by both nations to strengthen economic and scientific ties. Japan has recently launched several infrastructure initiatives across Asia and Africa, while Italy is investing in domestic modernization and public safety.
The partnership also opens opportunities for academic exchange, joint training programs, and pilot projects that test new bridge designs under real-world stress conditions. Future meetings between Italian and Japanese technical experts are expected to focus on digital twins, AI-based diagnostics, and sustainable construction materials.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to infrastructure safety and innovation, with both countries aiming to develop more resilient and future-ready transportation systems.
