ICCI is working to strengthen economic cooperation between India and Friuli-Venezia Giulia

On March 27, 2025, the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Italy (ICCI) proudly hosted a high-level roundtable at the picturesque San Simone Winery in Porcia, with the aim of strengthening economic, trade, and labor cooperation between India and the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) region.

The event brought together key institutional and industry leaders, including Lavanya Kumar, Consul General of India in Milan; Stefano Zannier, Regional Minister for Agri-Food Resources of Friuli Venezia Giulia; and Giancarlo Guidolin, President of the Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Prosecco. The discussion was expertly moderated by Luciano Pettoello Mantovani, Secretary General of ICCI, with strategic insights from Arch. Ash Gujral, Member of the ICCI Advisory Board.

Key Topics of the Discussion:

🔹 Wine & Trade Opportunities
, India is rapidly emerging as a promising market for international wines. The roundtable highlighted the strong potential for Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s renowned wine producers to expand their presence in India, given the growing demand among the Indian middle and upper-middle classes for high-quality European products.

🔹 Logistics & Strategic Partnerships
. The Port of Trieste serves as a critical logistics hub, acting as a gateway for Indian exports to Europe and vice versa. Strengthening these trade routes and exploring strategic investments within the framework of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was a central focus of the dialogue.

🔹 Workforce & Skills Development
Given the significant presence of Indian workers, particularly in the agricultural sector of FVG, the need for tailored vocational training and skills development programs was highlighted. These initiatives aim to foster mutual growth and address the specific needs of local industries.

A Platform for Partnership and Progress

This event marks another important step in ICCI’s broader mission to build bridges between India and Italy, promoting cross-border collaboration, sustainable investment, and inclusive growth. The presence of institutional representatives, including the mayors of Porcia and Prata, added a local dimension and a sense of commitment to the international dialogue.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to:

  • Councilman Stefano Zannier
  • Giancarlo Guidolin, President of the Prosecco DOC Protection Consortium
  • The San Simone Winery for their gracious hospitality
  • Local officials and all stakeholders who contributed to the event’s success

Media Coverage

The event received media coverage, underscoring its relevance and impact in the ongoing dialogue on Indo-Italian cooperation. Read more in the press:

Looking Ahead

ICCI remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Italian and Indian stakeholders in seizing new opportunities and creating long-term value. With concrete follow-up actions already underway—including the release of the Indian wine market snapshotwelook forward to advancing these discussions and developing concrete partnerships across sectors in Friuli Venezia Giulia and beyond.

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Photos from the event: