On 24 May 2018, Confindustria Lombardia met with a delegation from the French Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, which, like Lombardy, is one of the Four Motors for Europe. The delegation included the President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Laurent Wauquiez, the French Consul General, Charles Chapouilly, and the President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Italy, Denis Delespaul.

During the meeting, numerous issues were addressed, including a commitment to share a common position on priority sectors such as transport, digital, pharma, and sustainable mobility within the framework of the Alpine Macro-region.

The French region also confirmed that it will encourage participation in the World Manufacturing Forum, an international event focused on global manufacturing trends, which will be held on 27-28 September 2018 at Villa Erba, Cernobbio (Como).