(VEE) ITALIAN TRADE AGENCY OPENS NEW DESK IN THE UK

(VELINO) Roma, 23 Sep - Italy has invested in attracting business from the UK with a two-day road show by the Undersecretary of State for Economic Development, Ivan Scalfarotto, and a new "Foreign Direct Investment Desk" opened by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE). Speaking to a crowd of investors and other economic and financial dealers at the Italian Embassy in London on Friday, Undersecretary Scalfarotto illustrated Italy's investment-friendly policy developments and also presented the new ICE Desk, which will attract and coordinate the financial opportunities for London's City and stock exchange in Italy, where investors will be able to interface directly with the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (MISE) and the Undersecretary's Office. The Desk also aims to promote Italy's cultural, economic, and innovation system (Sistema Paese), thereby increasing investments on the national market, and to identify existing opportunities. The London Desk, one of the 9 opened in the most important financial and commercial hubs around the world, will assist economic players seeking promising investment opportunities in Italy and take stock of their needs in order to support them for the entire duration of the investment. The project falls within the framework of a special strategy devised by the MISE and the Farnesina to promote "Made in Italy" products and attract investment flows. "Italy has turned a new leaf after a prolonged period of recession and is back on track towards recovery," said Ambassador Pasquale Terracciano during his opening remarks. Since the very beginning of his mandate in London, Ambassador Terracciano has strived to make the Embassy a driving force in attracting investments and promoting "Brand Italy". In this regard, he noted that activities to attract foreign investments are an integral part of the strategy to consolidate Italy's economic recovery, and that their efficacy has been proven by the record number of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2015 and the constant attention that industrial and financial investors have directed towards Italy. Including Friday's presentation, the Embassy has held more 70 public diplomacy events, including seminars, workshops, and round table discussions, co-organised with various partners to attract potential investments towards the Italian economy. vel
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