On 9 July Ambassador of Italy Claudio Bisogniero visited Detroit to meet with representatives of the Italian business community there. After meeting with FIAT-CHRYSLER CEO Sergio Marchionne, the ambassador had a working lunch with representatives of Oakland County, where a large number of Italian firms such as – Magneti Marelli, Marposs, Stola Group – are represented, and with whom he discussed possible business and investment opportunities for our firms.
New market segments and local legislative incentives
The presidents of Magneti Marelli USA and Marposs America illustrated their companies’ activities in the American market based on a constant increase in demand in the automotive sector, and the possibility of expanding into new market segments, even by absorbing other companies.
Meeting with county representatives and members of the locally-based Oakland County Economic Development, Ambassador Bisogniero discussed follow-ups to the March 2012 visit to Italy by a Michigan State delegation, as well as ways to promote investments (both in Italy and in Michigan) and possible new areas for collaboration. Among the incentives envisaged by local legislation, particular stress was placed on both tax cuts for businesses as well as way to facilitate the offer of commercial spaces in Oakland County to new investors free of charge for 90 days. The theme of entry visas for business persons and investors was also confronted.
Year of Italian Culture in the USA
In his meeting with the Italian community of Michigan, Ambassador Biogniero underscored the important contribution that community has made and continues to make to the promotion of the Italian language and culture, not least during last year’s celebration of the 150th anniversary of Italian unity. He also spoke about the Year of Italian Culture in the USA planned for 2013, saying he was sure once again that we could count on the Detroit community’s support.
The ambassador then met with members of the Italian American Alliance for Business and Technology, who included representatives of local Italian firms such as Comau, Teksid, Homedics, Fata Aluminum, ED Group and Venture USA, as well as local representatives of other Italian firms operating in the United States. Their discussions touched, among other things, on possible ways to further reinforce our commercial presence in that area, in addition to possible additional strategies within the context of the Year of Italian Culture in the USA.
