New Delhi/Rome, Apr 14 (Mayank Nigam) Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who is visiting Italy, said there is tremendous potential for growth in the India-Italy partnership and his visit has helped throw up new ideas. Addressing the CEOs Business Interactive session in Rome on Thursday, he said that a plethora of opportunities in India makes it one of the world’s most trusted business and investment destinations. He said that India is an open country with global linkages, and trade negotiations are underway with EU and the European Free Trade Association (a regional trade organization and free trade area consisting of four European states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
Minister Goyal said that high targets must be set in the India-Italy partnership as there is a lot of new potential especially in light of the recently elevated Strategic Partnership, an official statement said. He said that India has witnessed 55% growth in the overall exports in the last two years. He said that there are about 700 Italian companies operating in India and this is the most opportune time to be in India. The Minister also mentioned that India will provide a very robust and forward-looking policy framework with retrospective changes. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Italy, Antonio Tajani also participated in the interactive session and addressed the industry captains. Tajani said that there is a need to work together to create a better line of next generation in both the countries by backing MSMEs and industry. Goyal said that India and Italy are connected by tradition, culture, shared values, rule of law and aspiration to achieve more and to work as one. He also expressed that India-Italy will grow together, achieve together, and conquer together.
The CEOs Business Interactive session was organised in Rome by the Embassy of India in Rome, Italy in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Confindustria. The session saw participation by more than 70 CEOs from Indian and Italian companies. Goyal during his visit to Italy had very productive one-on-one meetings with Italian CEOs of some prominent companies like SOL, SpA, Piaggio, CIBJO, Nayara Energy and Enel Green Power. He explained to them the investment climate in India, the policy reforms and the potential of investing and expanding in India. Goyal met Executive Vice President, Danieli C SpA, Mr. Andrea Diasparro, whose company operates in the steel scrap and energy sector. The Minister also suggested to them that the Indian market is big with many opportunities and India wants to gradually move to Green Steel manufacturing where there will be a great potential for them to expand, the statement said.