admin“Our role is to provide the support that strengthens business, bilateral and cultural relations between our two countries.
“This includes providing information and assistance to enterprises interested in establishing business ties as well as co-ordinating relations between Italian and Zimbabwean institutions,” said Italian Ambassador Stefano Moscatelli at a function hosted by the embassy during ZITF.
Italy offers a wide range of business and commercial opportunities. Ranked sixth among Organisation for European Co-operation and Development, it is Europe’s second major exporter and a member of the G8.
It contributes more than 13 percent of the European Union’s Gross Domestic Product and it is an important link for land, sea and air routes that provide a gateway to the north and south of Europe.
Speaking on the business potential between Italy and Zimbabwe, Ambassador Moscatelli said: “In the past few months we have seen a significant increase in inquiries from Italian companies interested in doing business with Zimbabwe.”
He said that companies representing a cross-section of the Italian economy were seeking linkages with Zimbabwean enterprises as they realise the growth potential that the country offers.
Italian companies that are exploring opportunities on the local market include manufacturers of machinery for the mining industry, the plastic industry, earthmoving, solar photovoltaic plants, industrial motors, polyethylene piping, construction industry and footwear.
A first time exhibitor at ZITF, Teofilo Solutions, made some solid contacts during the fair. The company has more than 45 years’ experience in the manufacture of aluminium products for the construction industry.
Its brands are well established in the Italian market as well as in Western Europe, Central America and Africa.
“ZITF provided Teofilo Solutions with some valuable insights into the Zimbabwean market which it views as a strategic entry point into the Southern and Central African market.
“The company is keen to be part of this market and is now in the process of identifying a suitable official distributor,” said Italian Embassy trade attaché Paola Honorati in an interview recently.
Honorati also said that Italian food processing company Spodale Investments, which was represented Paolo Cernuschi, the company’s owner, made a strong impression at the ZITF and has initiated negotiations with possible local agents.
The company makes olive oil, pasta and tinned tomatoes.
The Italian trade attaché said: “Visitors to our pavilion also showed a lot of interest in the agricultural machinery brands New Holland and Landini and the motoring brands Fiat and Alfa Romeo as well as Iveco commercial vehicles.”
Other companies that exhibited the Italian Embassy Pavilion at this year’s ZITF included Salini Costruttori, Red Graniti, Zimoco, Tarry’s and Guastini Power Srl, a leading industrial holdings company comprising Ansaldo Energia, Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali, Fincantieri and Termomeccanica Pompe.
Online Reporter