(14 April, 2017) The Foreign Ministry (Farnesina) not only opens doors for businesses, but also goes "door to door" to offer their services as well as the network of Embassies and Consulates support of companies in their activities in the world, as said and done by the Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano on April 12 during a meeting open to all production activities organised with the Chamber of Commerce of Udine. A "tour" during which the Foreign Ministry will visit several cities in Italy after Turin and, of course, Udine, precisely with this objective. Alfano was welcomed by the President of the Chambers of Commerce Giovanni Da Pozzo and met a group of entrepreneurs from all sectors. President of Confindustria and Confartigianato Matteo Tonon Graziano Tilatti also attended the assembly, moderated by Guido Corso, director of Rai Friuli Venezia Giulia. Da Pozzo presented some significant data in support of the internationalisation of businesses realised by the network of Chambers of Commerce tied to foreign diplomatic networks. Last year, there were more than two thousand companies involved by Friuli Venezia Giulia Chambers of Commerce in seminars, inspections in preparation of international missions, and participation in fairs in all major markets of the world. Our exports grew by 6.29% in 2016 due to, in large measure, to the "means of transportation" section (+ 65%) i.e. from the shipbuilding industry but with positive changes in other sectors such as agriculture (+ 5.3%), machinery (+ 3%), and food and beverages (+ 2%). Friuli is confirmed seventh among Italian regions for export value: more than €13.2 billion in 2016, representing 3.2% of total exports (ahead only to Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Lazio). 55% of exports are directed to EU countries, Germany in first place with 17.4%, and France, Austria, United Kingdom, Slovenia. As much as 18% is directed to North America. The United States is the first country with 2.3 billion followed by Germany and France. (Red)

COMMITMENTS

Alfano recalled the results of a study which showed a gap between those who move abroad with the the support of the Italian mission abroad and those without. As many as 61% of beneficiaries of economic diplomacy work, are precisely smaller companies. In 2016, foreign markets have generated €417 billion in exports and a trade surplus of 52 billion: "On these numbers, we can take a piece of prosperity and give it as a response to the economic crisis in oour country" according to Alfano. He also recalled the funds made available for the promotion of Italian industry abroad, efforts to protect authentic Italian products abroad, providing information to businesses about appropriate markets, support towards understanding the regulatory and bureaucratic system of foreign countries, investment consultations for individual markets, support on calls and international competitions or even in the event of disputes. He also reiterated the commitment to facilitate procedures for visa applications, making 48 hours the standard amount of time necessary to negotiate business visas.