Exploring new frontiers for development

Mayor of Turin's recent visit to Dubai was symbolic of the rising demand for talented Italians in the UAE and scope for wider expansion on business and cultural fronts

Chiara Appendino, the newly elected Mayor of Turin, was in Dubai recently to speak at the Global Islamic Economy Summit. The event attracted more than 3,000 leaders from all over the world, and gave Appendino a platform to promote young talent from Turin that has been nurtured in an extraordinary high-level educational system.
During her short stint in the emirates, Appendino met with a number of Italian officials and businesspersons. Some of these included Mauro Marzocchi, Secreatry General of IICUAE; Paolo Giordana, spokesperson and head of the cabinet; Daniela Silvi from the International Relations Office of Turin; and Prof. Paolo Biancone.
At the Italian Industry and Commerce (IICUAE), Appendino discussed pertinent issues with Marzocchi and other senior officials of the chamber. Marzocchi introduced the Chamber's activities, its objectives, internationalisation of Italian companies, expansion, promotion and plans to promote new Italian companies in various fields, such as biomedical, food, automotive, aerospace, which is one of the objectives of the city of Turin as well.
Appendino, particularly, discussed the opportunity to focalise collaboration in important sectors of the local market, such food, biomedical and the aerospace ones. She further talked about the introduction of B2B meetings between the UAE companies and Piedmont companies supported by both the institutions. She also talked about the Turin Islamic Forum, which will be held on March 6 and 7, 2017 in Turin.
The Mayor of Turin also signed an important pact on green economy with the Dubai Green Economy Partnership.
As a consequence, Turin has become a member of the forum and has as primary objective of introducing green economic models, not only in the Middle East but also all over the world. These models will be based on the use of renewable energies and reduction of environment impact.
Appendino, along with her delegation and others, visited Cipriani Restaurant in Dubai and met with its owner Arrigo Cipriani. They had also visited Mercato Mall where a confectionary shop has been exclusively offering chocolates and other sweets from Turin since 2002.
The Mayor was very pleased to find brands like Pastiglie Leone, Sorrisi di Torino, and Sebaste -  three of the most popular Italian Chocolate that are distributed across the world.
 

• Dubai