Singapore – Nine major Italian federations representing sectors from fashion to healthcare and technology, arrived in Singapore to promote the “Made In Italy” label.  They shared how they will work with local associations, the latest trends, success stories, future strategies and information about advanced technology with local businesses and entrepreneurs.  The large delegation, led by CONFINDUSTRIA – the Italian Confederation of Industries with the support of the Italian Embassy’s Italian Trade Agency arm (ICE), came as part of the contingent for the second edition of the High Level Dialogue on ASEAN Italy Economic Relations held on 11 April 2018.

2018 marks two decades since Singapore and Italy embarked on formal economic co-operation and exchange. Recognising that innovation drives the transformation of economies and societies, Singapore and Italy agreed to intensify long-term co-operation across various sectors from fashion to healthcare, furniture and technology.

“Singapore, with its Smart City ambition, and businesses around the region can take advantage of the opportunities we bring. With cummulative knowledge and strong relationships, we can leverage on our experience to overcome challenges and fast-track the attainment of industrial and development goals,” said Mr Leonardo Radicati, Director Italian Trade Agency Singapore. 

Italian exports to the international market have increased by 7.4%, with a surplus of 47.5 billion euro in 2017. Bilateral trade between Italy and ASEAN countries have reached 16 billion euro in 2017, with an increase of 10.2% in exports.   

Sector Federations

1. UCIMU Sistemi Per Produrre – Italian machine tool, robots, automation systems and ancilliary products manufacturers’ association

UCIMU will help improve commercial networks and implement university networks, attend the most important ASEAN trade fairs while inviting ASEAN end-users to BI-MU Fair (9-13 Oct 2018) to be held in Milan. The association will also organise study tours of the main ASEAN countries and provide local end-user analysis. UCIMU will also implement Technology Centres that feature Italian machine tools in ASEAN.

“The ASEAN countries represent not only an interesting area of diffusion of "Made in Italy" of the sector, but also a stimulating opportunity to co-operate with the local manufacturing companies. For this reason, UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE takes part in “High Level Dialogue on ASEAN-Italy Economic Relations” whose aim is to improve the dialogue among Italian and ASEAN companies and institutions,” said Massimo Carboniero, President UCIMU SISTEMI PER PRODURRE and Managing Director OMERA S.R.L.

2. Farmindustria – Association of Pharmaceutical Companies

The pharmaceutical industry in Italy represents 30 billion euros in manufacturing value of which 75% are from exports.  Each year, 2.7 billion euros is invested in research and development (1.5 billion euros) and high-tech equipment (1.2 billion euros).  

“Italian life sciences’ R&D ranks among the best in the world. Many opportunities for ASEAN partnership abound for upstream sectors as our highly-qualified human resources are productive,” said Pierluigi Petrone, Member of the Board Farmindustria.

Italy has first-class capabilities that match the needs of a rapidly evolving ASEAN. The region can leverage the “Made In Italy” success to fast-track their own goals.

Other non-pharma sector federations were:

3. ANIMA – Federation of Italian Associations of Mechanical and Engineering Sectors
4. Confindustria Digitale – Association for Italian Digital Technology
5. Confindustria Moda – A New Federation for Associations of Textiles, Fashion and Accessories
6. Assocalzaturifici – Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association
7. AIMPES – Italian Leather Goods Association
8. Cosmetica Italia – Personal Care Association
9. Federlegno Arredo – Italian Federation of Wood, Cork, Furniture and Furnishing Industries