Strengthening Indo-Italian Synergies: ICCI & CGI Milan Host High-Level Workshop in Genova on Strategic Partnership

Genova, May 20, 2025 – The Indian Chamber of Commerce in Italy (ICCI), in close collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Milan, successfully organized a landmark event titled “India as a Strategic Partner for Italy” at the historic Palazzo San Giorgio in Genova. The workshop marked a significant milestone in advancing Indo-Italian economic and institutional collaboration, particularly in the strategic sectors of logistics, port infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

Held with the vital support of Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale and Clickutility Team Shipping Cluster, the event underscored the growing relevance of Genova and the Liguria Region as key nodes in strengthening trade and investment ties between India and Italy.

Highlighting the Strategic Axis: Genova–India

The workshop aimed to position Liguria as a critical platform in the Indo-Italian trade corridor, focusing on sectors where the two nations can mutually benefit from cooperation: logistics and maritime transport, smart infrastructure, information technology, and sustainable port development.

This exclusive, high-level initiative gathered a distinguished group of institutional authorities, business leaders, port officials, and strategic stakeholders, creating a space for direct dialogue and the exploration of actionable synergies.

Institutional Welcome

The event opened with institutional greetings from:

• Ammiraglio Massimo Seno, Special Commissioner, Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale

His address highlighted the enduring maritime tradition of Genova and its modern role as a global logistics hub capable of fostering international economic partnerships—especially with fast-growing economies such as India.

Panel 1: India 360° – Economy, Culture, and Opportunities

Featuring:

• Lavanya Kumar, Consul General of India in Milan
• Luciano Pettoello Mantovani, Secretary General, Indian Chamber of Commerce in Italy (ICCI)

This opening panel offered a comprehensive overview of India’s current economic trajectory, cultural vitality, and international positioning. The speakers presented the opportunities India offers to Italian businesses, ranging from large-scale infrastructure projects and manufacturing growth to tech innovation, green energy, and cultural diplomacy.

Ms. Kumar emphasized India’s stable macroeconomic fundamentals, reforms agenda, and openness to foreign investment, while Mr. Mantovani detailed ICCI’s ongoing efforts to act as a bridge between the two nations and to support Italian enterprises entering the Indian market.

Panel 2: Liguria Meets India – Opportunities for the Territory

Panelists included:

• Stefano Messina – Board Member, Camera di Commercio di Genova & EVP, Ignazio Messina & C.
• Giuliana Bottino – Head of Genoa Business Unit, Comune di Genova
• Carlo Golda – President, Liguria International
• Giampaolo Botta – Director General, Spediporto
• Roberto Demarchi – Vice President, Assagenti
• Alessandro Ferrari – Managing Director, ASSITERMINAL
• Federica Montaresi – Special Commissioner, Eastern Ligurian Port Authority
• Marco Sanguineri – Director of Planning and Development, Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale

This in-depth roundtable shed light on Liguria’s robust capabilities in trade facilitation, port operations, and international business development. The dialogue focused on aligning regional strengths with India’s growing demand for advanced logistics infrastructure, maritime partnerships, and smart trade solutions.

Discussions also touched upon investment promotion, multimodal connectivity, and the need to develop joint innovation ecosystems, particularly in port digitization and green shipping.

Building Bridges: Networking and Collaboration

The workshop concluded with a vibrant networking session and light lunch, offering participants the opportunity to engage in direct dialogue, strengthen connections, and lay the foundation for future collaborations.

Acknowledgements

ICCI extends its heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, institutional partners, business leaders, and attendees who contributed to the success of the workshop. Events such as this are more than formal gatherings—they are platforms for building bridges, fostering mutual understanding, and unlocking the potential of two complementary economies.

By promoting cross-border collaboration at the regional level, especially in cities like Genova, ICCI reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of strong, lasting partnerships between Italy and India.

PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT