Ukraine and Italy have been actively enhancing their trade and economic ties despite challenges such as the COVID-19 crisis and Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Diplomatic efforts have been instrumental in overcoming these challenges, introducing new formats of interaction in the business-to-business (B2B) and government-to-business (G2B) sectors.
Participation in specialised international exhibitions in Italy has proven to be a significant tool for Ukrainian businesses seeking partners in the Italian market. Efforts by the Ukrainian embassy in Italy and the Nazovni platform have facilitated Ukrainian manufacturers in securing exhibition space, contributing to their visibility at major events.
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Several Ukrainian sectors, including beverage and confectionery, furniture, organic and natural products, stone processing technologies, hospitality, ceramics, and others, have successfully showcased their products at renowned Italian exhibitions. Notably, Ukrainian companies have entered into 43 contracts for the supply of various products to Italy.
In March, a B2B event "All You Can Meet", supported by the Ukrainian Embassy and the Nazovni platform, allowed Ukrainian companies to engage with major Italian retail chains, leading to potential opportunities for Ukrainian products in Conad and Coop, prominent Italian retail chains.
A unique initiative, the Ukraine – Italy Marketplace 2023, launched in April, is a collaborative effort involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries, the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy, the Nazovni platform, and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). This digital marketplace, hosted on the ITA Fiera Smart 365 platform, provides an efficient way for Ukrainian businesses to present their products to the Italian market. It represents the first time that a separate section has been created for Ukrainian exporting companies on the ITA platform, reflecting shared interests in European and third-country markets.
The digital marketplace offers a convenient alternative for exporters who cannot attend physical events, allowing nearly every Ukrainian manufacturer to participate. Currently, 71 Ukrainian companies, offering almost two hundred products, have registered on the platform, with ongoing growth expected. This initiative facilitates continuous online exhibitions and active business-to-business matchmaking, enabling Ukrainian businesses to engage with Italian partners without leaving their offices. The project emphasises the importance of ongoing efforts, including regular updates of presentation materials and communication with Italian partners, to ensure its success. The platform demonstrates the potential of Ukrainian businesses to offer valuable products to the Italian market and provides a valuable opportunity for collaboration.
Source: Odessa-Journal