This morning, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, met with the top management of the National Chamber for Italian Fashion in Milan. The “Chamber” is a non-profit association representing over 300 high-quality Italian brands that employ 60,000 companies and about 600,000 people in the industry and service sectors.
“Italy is the second largest exporter of fashion and textiles-clothing in the world, after China, “said Tajani, “which is why the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs must promote the activities of our companies in the world in an increasingly systematic manner.” Italian fashion has a turnover of around EUR 100 billion and accounts for 5.5% of Italy’s total GDP, exporting around 90% of the sector’s turnover.
“In this morning’s meetings, we agreed to organise the ‘States General of Fashion Exports’ very soon at Villa Madama in Rome. All fashion producers will be there, testifying to the structural collaboration between the Government and this strategic sector,” said the Minister.
Together with President Carlo Capasa and Strategic Committee member Ermenegildo Zegna, Minister Tajani also discussed the idea of including fashion among the strategic trade promotion elements of the Ministry, envisaging “fashion weeks” in all embassies, consulates and cultural institutes, continuing in the tradition of always hosting fashion shows, exhibitions, and seminars with craftsmen in Italian diplomatic offices.
The National Chamber for Italian Fashion was founded in 1958 in Milan; it represents about 300 high-quality Italian brands held by about 110 members operating in prêt-à-porter, haute couture, quality tailoring, cosmetics, accessories, leather goods, and footwear.
