| This was disclosed by Antonio Armellini, Italian ambassador to India, to a handful of industrialists from Kerala during an interactive session arranged by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Kerala State Council, in Kochi. |
| Armellini who was on a short visit to the state pointed out to the group of industrialists led by FICCI Kerala state council chairman M G George Muthoot that Italy could help the state in developing world-class infrastructure and attract more investments in food processing, as his country has a substantial strength, expertise and know-how in these sectors. |
| "I would like to say that tourism is a major area where both Italy and Kerala can work together for better results. Kerala is now becoming a favourite destination for Italian tourists. We are here to understand and explore trade opportunities in the state," he said. |
| According to him, India and China are priority nations for Italy. A 400-plus trade delegation led by the Italian Prime Minister will visit India in February next year. The government of Italy is planning to declare 2007 as the "Year of Italy in India". |
| The country expects to double its trade with India in the next five years. The balance of trade is currently tilted in favour of India even though both imports from Italy and Indian exports are growing substantially. |
| Indian exports to Italy touched US $ 2.16 billion in 2004-05, 25 per cent up from $1.73 billion in 2003-04. Italy has plans to take the total trade between the two countries to US $ 10 billion |
| The ambassador has invited industrialists from Kerala to meet the Italian delegation visiting India in February. Talking on the occasion, George Muthoot said the state council of FICCI was trying its best to place Kerala at the top of the industrial map of India. |
| Allaying fears of investment climate in the state, the industrialists convinced the Italian ambassador of changing mindset and improving labour relations in the state. |
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