Italian chamber holds Expo Milano 2015 seminar in Seoul

Leonardo Simonelli, president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK, gives a speech during the Area Meeting of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Asia and South Africa at Seoul Partners House, in Hannam-dong, Seoul, April 24. / Courtesy of ITCCK

By Lee Min-hyung, Kim Jae-heun

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ITCCK) held its area meeting at Seoul Partners House, Friday, to discuss ways to foster cultural exchanges between Italy, Asia and South Africa during and after Expo Milano 2015.

Ten representatives of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Asia and South Africa attended the meeting to identify ways to promote the food expo, which kicks off on May 1.

“The cultural ties between the countries are very important for the growth of peace and general exchanges,” said Roberto Martorana, secretary-general of the ITCCK.

“Learning about the culture of foreign countries can help people enrich their own culture, satisfy their curiosity and spread knowledge about the world’s histories and traditions.”

“Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” is the key theme of the upcoming six-month expo, in which 145 countries and some 20 million visitors are expected to participate.

Area meeting

Leonardo Simonelli, the President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the U.K., began the session by emphasizing the need for active communication between the chambers in the different countries and sharing of ideas in the increasingly connected and small world.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in China, a country from which the Milan expo expects one of the largest numbers of visitors, continues to get recognition for promoting the country on a global scale.

“The Chinese consider this expo as a good opportunity to show the country’s achievement,” said Franco Cutrupia, the president for the chamber in China. “They started practically with the Olympic Games in Beijing and the Shanghai Expo, in 2010. The expo in Milan is definitely a big occasion for them. They are very good at promoting themselves.”

Nicolas Piccato, the president of the ITCCK, sees a bright future for hansik in Italy.

When asked if Korean cuisine can compete with Italian cuisine, Piccato said “‘Compete’ would not be the right word, because each food is based on a culture, and culture is one of the only things in life that increases in richness and value when we share it.

“I definitely think Korean cuisine can succeed in the world, and it has already been successful. I remember learning about Korean cuisine and how it is made by combining textures, colors, cold and hot temperatures in the winter and summer. I think because of this, it appeals to everybody in the world,” Piccato said.

Four other officers of the chambers in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Africa participated at the area meeting in Seoul to share their ideas, even though their chambers will not participate at the Milan expo.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao explained that last year’s Umbrella Movement (further explanation) negatively affected the local economy, reducing the number of Chinese visitors to the country. However, Hong Kong’s economy is still very much connected to that of Mainland China, which has played a major role in the investment industry ever since Hong Kong was handed back to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

Ruslan Volpi, the secretary-general of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, sees the benefits of this event as well.

“Although the Philippines will not be participating in Expo Milano 2015, many Filipino entrepreneurs are eagerly participating at the Italian event,” Volpi said.

“The expo will definitely help strengthen the relationship between two countries.”