Today Undersecretary Manlio Di Stefano met at the Foreign Ministry with the President of the Italian Exhibitions and Trade Fair Association (AEFI), Maurizio Danese, and the President of the Industry Trade Fairs Committee (CFI), Massimo Goldoni. It was a meeting of strategic importance to agree on the necessary measures to support and relaunch the trade fair sector, which has been heavily affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would like to see the trade fair sector restart not only as a reaction to the virus, but also thinking of the future with a systemic and improving perspective, as trade fairs represent a fundamental element for the promotion of Italian exports and Made in Italy” – Mr Di Stefano stated.
In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has drawn up a regulatory proposal for the next “August” Law Decree, aimed at integrating the Simest’s 394/81 Revolving Fund with a new section dedicated to consolidating and subsidised financing of trade fair bodies, up to 400 million euros.
Other measures considered to support the sector include the creation of green security corridors to allow foreign visitors to enter fairs next autumn. This will also be possible by providing, where possible, specific exemptions from quarantine obligations for business travel through the adoption of appropriate bilateral logistical and health protocols with the States of origin.
“Much remains to be done, in cooperation with ICE Agency, to attract foreign buyers participating in our trade fair events, but the Government and the Foreign Ministry are always at the forefront to make their contribution,” Mr Di Stefano concluded.
