The Italian Embassy in Lebanon and the Italian Trade Commission ICE celebrated the Italian National Day at their pavilion during Project Lebanon on Wednesday 5th of June at 7 pm.
The event was attended by Riccardo Smimmo, First Counselor of the Italian Embassy representing H.E. the Italian Ambassador in Lebanon; Albert Aoun, Chairman and CEO of IFP Group; Marina Giangrande, new Italian Trade Commissioner and a big number of guests including Lebanese entrepreneurs who were invited to this celebration.
In his welcoming speech, Albert Aoun greeted the guests and valued the growing Italian participation in Project Lebanon over the years. “I’m very happy to have Italy as our committed partner in the past years” said Aoun. “The Lebanese are one of the biggest importers of Italian products while Italian companies see Lebanon and Lebanese businessmen as a gateway to the markets of the region and the Lebanese diaspora” he added. Aoun wished good luck and success to all the Italian companies participating in the show.
Riccardo Smimmo, shed light on the cooperation between IFP and the Italian Embassy and especially ICE (Italian Trade Commission) that started early 90s and resulted in long-term commitment.
Smimmo said: “This year, the Italian pavilion covers an area of 270 sqm comprising 31 companies represented by 72 delegates. Among the exhibitors we also have 11 commercial bodies comprising 6 chambers of commerce from the Piemonte region as well as Federlegnoarredo. The Italian pavilion also includes 8 companies participating for the first time while 12 companies have previously participated in Project Lebanon. Italy is the first undisputed European trade partner to Lebanon.”
Smimmo highlighted the great interest that Italian companies show in the Lebanese market in general, and in the construction sector in particular, which is one of the most promising sectors in Lebanon. Finally, the First Counselor hoped that the Lebanese exports to Italy will grow as they are significantly smaller than the Italian exports to Lebanon that exceed 8 billion euros.
The third speaker of the Italian Day was Marina Giangrande who conveyed special thanks to the Italian Embassy for its continuous support, and IFP for its cooperative and flexible support over the years of organizing the Italian pavilion.
After the speeches, the celebration of Italian Day continued in a festive mood.
ifpinfo
