The governor of Santa Catarina, Jorginho Mello, received the Italian ambassador to Brazil. Alexander Cortese, this Monday (19)The meeting took place at Casa d'Agronômica, in Florianópolis. The main topic was strengthening bilateral relations between the state and the European country.
During the meeting, authorities pledged to begin discussions to establish a direct flight between Florianópolis and Italy. The goal is to follow the existing international connection model with Portugal.
• Cases affected by the decree
• Delays at the town hall and consulate
• Customized legal strategy
Currently, Santa Catarina has approximately 60.000 Italian citizens registered with AIRE. (Registration of Italians Residing Abroad), with 15.000 in the capital alone. — it is estimated that 3 million people in the state are descendants of Italians.
The meeting also addressed topics of technical, scientific, and cultural cooperation. The Italian delegation included the head of the Consulate General in Curitiba, Angelo Sirico, and the honorary consul in Florianópolis, Attilio Colitti. The executive secretary for International Relations, Paulo Bornhausen, accompanied the agenda.
New consulate in Florianópolis
The ambassador Alessandro Cortese participated in the official opening of the Sportello Consolare in Florianópolis. This Monday. The unit is located in the Corporate Park Business Center, on SC-401. The office began operations on January 5th and is affiliated with the Consulate General in Curitiba.
The structure aims to decentralize services in the South of the country. The unit's focus is on providing services such as issuing passports and processing Italian citizenship applications. According to Governor Jorginho Mello, the physical presence of the office will strengthen partnerships and the historical relationship with immigrants.
Economic and commercial relations
Data from the Fiesc Observatory presented at the meeting shows that trade between Santa Catarina and Italy remains active. In 2025, exports from Santa Catarina to the country totaled US$169,7 million. The main products shipped were electric motors and wood.
Imports from Italy to the state totaled $683,6 million during the same period. The list of purchases consisted mainly of vehicles and pharmaceutical products. Ambassador Alessandro Cortese highlighted that Santa Catarina is a leading state in representing the partnership between the two countries.
