ICCI Strengthens Bilateral Business Cooperation between the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and India

March 29, 2025
Uncategorized

On March 28, 2025, the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Italy (ICCI), in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Milan, successfully hosted a high-level business workshop at the Pordenone-Udine Chamber of Commerce. The event brought together key institutional and business representatives from the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) region, with a focus on strengthening economic ties and exploring opportunities in the dynamic Indian market.

Key Insights from the Workshop

  • Giovanni Da Pozzo, President of the Chamber, emphasized the strategic role of Friuli-Venezia Giulia as a key economic and cultural partner for India, highlighting the region’s potential for strengthening bilateral relations.
  • Omar Londero, Head of the Promos Italia office in Udine, presented data on Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s top exports to India—steel, machinery, and furniture—highlighting the strong commercial compatibility between the two regions.
  • Hon. Isabella De Monte, representing the Trieste Summit alongside Alberto Pasino, spoke about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). She emphasized how the Port of Trieste is poised to become a linchpin in connecting Indian goods to European markets, reaffirming Trieste’s role as a key logistical and maritime hub.
  • Michele Nencioni, General Director of Confindustria Udine, described Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s robust industrial base, which comprises over 8,500 companies and an export-driven economy that accounts for 42.3% of its GDP. Notably, 46% of exports go outside the EU, with thriving sectors such as metal products, machinery, food and beverages, and chemicals.
  • Lavanya Kumar, Consul General of India in Milan, highlighted India’s growing economic momentum, citing key sectors for investment such as digital infrastructure, green energy, and industrial innovation. She also emphasized India’s liberal FDI policies and major reforms in logistics and taxation.
  • Anna Mareschi Danieli, of the Danieli Group, spoke about the company’s success in India, detailing its projects and the importance of industrial cooperation between India and Italy.
  • Representatives from Cherry Bank — Vincenzo Galileo, Roberta Maggiolo, and Luca Vezzaro —discussed the banking sector’s role in facilitating trade and investment between India and Italy. They presented international financial instruments and services that are essential for companies looking to expand across borders.
  • Luciano Pettoello Mantovani, Secretary General of ICCI, emphasized the need to boost Italian investment in India, with a special focus on the IMEC Corridor and Trieste’s potential as Europe’s gateway for Indian exports.

Media Coverage and Strategic Recognition

The event received significant media attention, underscoring its growing relevance:

  • Friuli highlighted President Da Pozzo’s remarks on Friuli Venezia Giulia as a cultural and economic bridge to India, and the importance of strengthening trade and institutional ties.
  • ShipMag covered India’s growing role in international maritime trade, highlighting the Port of Trieste as a future cornerstone of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

These developments confirm that FVG and India are entering a promising phase of cooperation, based on shared commercial interests and a long-term strategic vision.

Additional Insights: Wine Market Snapshot

To complement the discussions, ICCI prepared an overview of the Indian wine market, highlighting growing consumption trends and the rising interest in Italian wines. With India’s wine industry expected to grow at a double-digit rate annually, regions such as Friuli Venezia Giulia— renownedfor their Prosecco and premium varietals—are well-positioned to increase exports to this emerging market.

Gratitude and Next Steps

We would like to thank all the speakers, institutions, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of this event. Their insights and collaboration play a key role in building a stronger Indo-Italian business alliance.

For updates and to explore business opportunities in India, follow the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Italy on LinkedIn or visit our official website.