The Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Tripodi, delegated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, spoke today at the inauguration of the Macfrut 2023 exhibition, the leading international event in Italy dedicated to the fruit and vegetable sector. With a value of EUR 15 billion, one third of which is generated by exports, the sector is a flagship of Italian production capacity.
In her opening speech, Undersecretary Tripodi stressed that the work carried out by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Italian Trade Agency – ICE to support exports in the sector “is heading in a new direction, in synergy with all the competent Ministries and in line with the strategy of growth diplomacy. Italy is an extraordinary country,” the Undersecretary continued, pointing out that “significant resources have been allocated to the sector, more than EUR 800 million in the last three years, also through initiatives in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency – ICE. We intend to use these funds to increase the competitiveness of a sector that already represents the pride of Made in Italy in the world”.
Undersecretary Tripodi later spoke at the press conference for the national preview presentation of the Italian Pavilion for Expo 2023 Doha, the international horticultural exhibition recognised by the BIE, which will be held for the first time in a desert climate country. The event will take place from 2 October 2023 to 28 March 2024, and is expected to attract exhibitors from 80 countries and about 3 million visitors.
Lastly, Undersecretary Tripodi spoke during the event for the presentation of Rome’s candidacy to host the 2030 World Expo, with the theme People and Territories. “This event is of paramount importance,” the Undersecretary argued, “as it creates an opportunity for the entire international community to discuss the main global challenges and identify solutions for a fully sustainable future”.
