Messages

Message from the Ambassador of Italy Continuing a well-established tradition, I would like to welcome the 2008 edition of the “Italian Festival”, named “A touch of Italy”, which aims to promote the image of “Made in Italy” throughout the world. The Italian Festival takes place every year in many different countries, always around the Italian National Day and showcases all that Italy has to offer in areas ranging from commercial and industrial sectors to culture and the arts, from design to gastronomy and tourism. The Italian Festival has always been an opportunity to further strengthen the ties between the Italian and Singaporean communities and this year’s edition stretches over a longer period of time and includes an unprecedented number of initiatives and events. In fact, the deepening of political ties between our two countries has rapidly led to an increase of the Italian presence in Singapore, both on a community and on a commercial level and this has significantly widened the scope and dimension of the events of the Festival. I would like to extend a very sincere thanks to all those who, with their contribution and passionate dedication, have made this edition of the Italian Festival possible. I am fully convinced that this year’s Festival will be an even greater success and wish all the best to the 2008 Edition. Folco de Luca Gabrielli Ambassador of Italy

Message from the Italian Trade Commissioner Italy is an open-air museum with her heritage of history, culture and arts. Besides, Italy fascinates you with her spectacular beauty, touches you with her warm hospitality, enchants you with her music and opera singing, entertains you with her theatre and cinema. But Italy is also the 7th highest GDP in the world, the 6th largest exporter of manufactured goods, the 8th highest country for quality of life and the 20th highest human development index. Italy is the Home of creativity, design and refined taste. Each and every aspect of our every day life exudes this original (authentic) Italian essence. We have been able to develop one of the most important industries in the world combining taste and technology, design and efficiency, future and tradition. That is the secret behind the success of Italian companies in the technological domain: the best car, the most updated machine tool, the latest woodworking machinery, the wonderful boats. Italy is the country of the most beautiful and elegant fashion, the wonderful leather, the outstanding shoes and the unique jewels. But Italy is also the Home of indulgence; refined cuisine, excellent wines, first class extra virgin olive oil, the most appetizing pasta. This is Italy, the multifaceted great country that I would like to share with all Singaporeans through all events of this Italian Festival 2008. This is the country I invite you to enjoy, visit and do business with. Massimiliano P. Sponzilli Trade Commissioner