Italy eager to be part of initiatives by India: Pensabene

Top Stories

»	49% Indian startups now from tier 2, 3 cities: Jitendra Singh
»	'India ranks 3rd in global startup ecosystem & number of unicorns'
»	Tripura exported over 9K tonnes of pineapples in 2 years
»	CPI inflation eases to 6.71% in July, IIP falls to 12.3%
»	Rupee depreciates 12 paise to close at 79.64 against US dollar

SME Times News Bureau | 11 Mar, 2017
Francesco Pensabene, Italian Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Italy, finds Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative very ambitious and well directed. He says Italian companies are eager to be a part of it.

"Italy is very much eager to actively participate in each and every initiative, which Indian government undertakes. 'Make in India' is an ambitious and well directed programme of Indian government," Pensabene told IANS through an email.

He added: "Italian companies are ready to contribute by investing their tech know-how and by setting-up their manufacturing facilities in India, exploring the possibilities of JV (joint ventures) and exchange and also investing in India."

Pensabene is also Trade Promotion Office Director of the Italian Embassy, New Delhi and Coordinator of Trade Commission Offices in India.

He was previously the Director of International Cooperation Division at the Head Quarters in Rome (Italian Trade Agency) and before it Director of Legal Administration at Human Resources Department. He holds a degree in law and a specialisation in international law.

He has also announced a two-year campaign -- 'Italy: The Extraordinary Commonplace', to promote the European country's best of food, fashion and design among other things. The Italian Trade Agency had also partnered with India Design ID 2017 to show designs in the Indian market last month.

Pensabene notes that "Italian brands are themselves more and more curious about the Indian market".

"Italian Trade Agency is there for their hassle-free entry to this country and through our services, we help them find the right partner for their product offering. 'Made in Italy', is in itself a brand and Indian customer is well aware about the craftsmanship that goes into making this brand," he said.

How different is the Indian market from the Italian?

"I believe that Indian market is very dynamic and constantly evolving. We always try to tell all Italian companies that India is a different market than Europe and one needs to understand and adapt to this unique country," he said, adding that India can open many avenues for Italian companies who understand the consumers here.

"So my advice to all Italian companies is spend time in this market to understand it as this will open many doors and enormous opportunities for the business," he said.