Italian Trade Commission at Soccerex
The Italian Trade Commission (ICE) is a supporter of international soccer exhibition Soccerex as part of South Africa's build up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Hosted by the City of Johannesburg, Soccerex will run 26 –29 November 2007, serving as a business and networking platform for exhibitors, delegates and media with interests in international football from across the globe.
Operating under the aegis of the Italian Ministry of International Trade, ICE promotes and facilitates the development of trade between Italy and the rest of the world.
Representing Italy as the current soccer world champions, “the Italian Trade Commission is in full support of South Africa working towards 2010. There is a lot of knowledge to share between the two countries, not only on a football level, but also on a business level,” says Dr Gianpalo Bruno, Italian Trade Commissioner to SA.
Soccerex is in its 11th year and has established itself as a global convention, having already visited countries such as China and Dubai. Now South Africans will be afforded the opportunity to experience exhibitors showcasing products and services that will contribute towards yet another successful FIFA World Cup.
Furthermore, it is estimated that Soccerex will inject R700 million into the Gauteng economy, facilitating and growing both local and international trade. In an interview conducted earlier this year during the 2007 Italian Business Forum, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Emma Bonino said that SA was Italy's top priority for investment and trade for 2008 – 2010. Bonino expressed her utmost confidence in SA's ability to host 2010 and was excited to see trade relations grow between the two countries in business of all sizes.
Working towards these objectives, the ICE will represent Italy as trade exhibitors at the 2008 Sandton Forum. "This is a perfect opportunity for the ICE to encouraging the development of trade relations between South Africa and Italy using the beautiful game of football as its stage", says Bruno.
The ICE stand will include Italian businesses such as
- M.G.M, exhibiting the Fila inline skate brand as well as Trezeta range of hiking and outdoor equipment,
- Pasasport, the manufacturer of leading international sporting equipment in the outdoor, leisure and cycling sector,
- Phyto Performance, manufacturer of sport-paramedical equipment and
- Technogym, producers of world-class fitness, medical rehabilitation and sports equipment.
For more information on Soccerex 2007, go to www.soccerex.com.
