Italy Min calls for greater Indo-Italian economic ties

New Delhi, Jan 4 (UNI) The Italian Minister for International Trade and European Affairs Emma Bonino today called for a higher level of economic and commercial engagement between India and Italy to achieve trade target of Euro 10 billion in the next three years, from the current level of about Euro 4 billion.

Ms Bonino said her visit would lay the groundwork of the visit of the Italian Prime Minister in February headind a large delegation of Italian companies to New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Mumbai.

Stating that 2007 will be the 'Year of India' for Italy in terms of trade initiatives, Ms Bonino said, ''We are preparing a significant programme tailored to encourage and support joint actions between the two countries.'' Ms Bonino exhorted Italian and Indian business to concentrate in promising areas such as fashion designing, chemicals, food processing, infrastructure development, auto components, IT, jewellery, services, and movie production and distribution.

The Italian Minister called for increased cooperation between Italian and Indian small and medium enterprises as they guarantee employment and growth to the local communities and contribute to balanced socio-economic development.

The meeting, organised by industry body Ficci and Ficci Ladies Organisation (FLO), was also addressed by the Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Armellini and the FLO National President Mukta Nandini Jain.

UNI