Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received Luigi Di Maio, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, which took place at Expo 2020 Dubai, the two ministers discussed the bilateral ties between the UAE and Italy and ways of developing them in all areas.

Sheikh Abdullah and Di Maio also discussed several issues of mutual concern and regional and international developments, as well as Italy’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai and the role of the international event in promoting cooperation between the two countries in many areas.

Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the visit of Di Maio, stressing the profound ties between the two friendly countries and their mutual keenness to enhance their overall cooperation.

Sheikh Abdullah and Di Maio then visited the Italian pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which is located in the Opportunity District and themed, “Beauty Connects People.” Sheikh Abdullah explored the design of the pavilion, which is inspired by the beauty of the sea and the greatness and creativity of explorers, and the pavilion’s contents, which are made with environmentally-friendly materials.

The meeting was attended by Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Omar Obaid Mohammed Hassaan Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Italy.

Italy celebrated its Expo 2020 Dubai National Day on Wednesday with a touch of Italian style, including a cultural performance by The Carabinieri Band of the Italian Armed Forces, following the raising of the red, white and green Il Tricolore at Al Wasl Plaza.

The Carabinieri Band played in front of UAE dignitaries, led by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, and an Italian delegation led by Luigi Di Maio, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy.

The programme then continued on to Expo’s Business Connect Centre, with bilateral and general meetings held between top officials.

Sheikh Nahyan said, “Italy’s rich history and culture has inspired artists, writers, and innovators from around the globe across the ages, and this is reflected in Italy’s uniquely designed pavilion. Under the title ‘Beauty Connects People’, the pavilion is a captivating showcase of arts and culture, sharing Italy’s enchanting notion of beauty with our visitors through the distinctively curated content of the exhibition, and impeccably demonstrating how innovation and culture are intertwined.

“At Expo 2020, Italy’s multidisciplinary approach to its pavilion and focus on educational, business, and cultural opportunities promote these priorities, and open up new prospects for further collaboration between our nations that will ensure the advancement and prosperity of our people.”

The Italy Pavilion, he said, is a showcase of carefully selected and curated content, and at the centrepiece is a 3D-printed replica of Michelangelo’s famous David sculpture.

Di Maio, in turn, stated, “Expo 2020 Dubai is the first world exhibition to happen in the Middle East - a global hub that will unlock unique opportunities for the full resumption of international tourism and investment flows at this important juncture. Therefore for Italy, our attendance at Expo 2020 Dubai provides the opportunity to reach a global public.

“At Expo 2020 Dubai, we will also highlight the beauty and diversity of Italy’s territories thanks to the support and qualified contributions of the Italian regions to the Expo participation projects. With over 360,000 visitors in the first five weeks and about 10,000 daily visits, Italy’s pavilion is already one of the most appreciated,” he added.

Separately, Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, has visited the pavilions of Palestine, Lebanon and Iran at Expo 2020 Dubai, wherein he was briefed on the cultural diversity these countries’ pavilions are offering to their visitors.

He expressed his pleasure with the three countries’ participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, saying, “Expo is an ideal opportunity to revive the global economy, as this global event is a platform for presenting countries’ innovations and achievements in various fields and establishing commercial partnerships, accessing new markets, and attracting more investments.” He highlighted that Expo 2020 Dubai embodies human brotherhood in its best form through its lofty values that strengthen relations between the world’s countries and unify the peoples of the world under the banner of tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

Magnetic Maharashtra: As part of the Magnetic Maharashtra 2.0 initiative, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) conducted a roundtable for the logistics and warehousing industry, at Expo 2020 Dubai. The event held on Wednesday at the India Pavilion highlighted and discussed various policy measures and incentives in the logistics sector, that the state offers to global investors.

Addressing the roundtable, Ajit Patil, Jt. CEO, MIDC, said, “Maharashtra’s strategic location and seamless connectivity with national and international geographies on account of its port and airport linkages, makes it an ideal location for logistics and warehousing activities.” He added, “Being one of the most well-developed logistics hubs in India, the state provides limitless opportunities for manufacturers, innovators, and suppliers and we are relentlessly working on making the environment more conducive for foreign investors.”

The Logistics Parks Policy 2018 of the state aims at upgrading the traditional warehousing to a fully integrated value-added logistics activity, to improve efficiency and ensure reduction in logistic costs, which will enhance the overall logistic infrastructure of the state to offer seamless last-mile connectivity. Under Maharashtra’s Industrial Policy 2019, logistics is considered as a thrust sector and is accorded priority in land allotment and incentives. In addition to this, MIDC has reserved over 500 acres of Industrial area for the development of warehousing and logistics facilities in the State.

With a GDP size of $402 billion, Maharashtra contributes the highest share to the nation’s nominal GDP. The state also attracted the largest share in FDI between 2020 and 2021 and also accounts for 20% of India’s total exports. Maharashtra is also a leader in manufacturing and contributes to 15% of the Industrial output in the country. It has the highest employable talent in India at 68% employability of graduates and offers one of the best quality workforces.

Elaborating on Maharashtra-UAE relations, Patil said, “The state shares a very close relationship with the UAE, as over 17.5% of the total exports to UAE from India are from Maharashtra. The bilateral relationship has matured and transformed into a comprehensive strategic partnership as both countries continue to explore deeper cooperation in new areas”. “Maharashtra is the biggest and one of the most attractive investment destinations in India with robust policies, mature infrastructure, and skilled manpower,” he added.

The roundtable was virtually attended by Dr P Anbalagan, CEO, MIDC, and saw participation from eminent speakers including Jitendra Kakuste, Jt MD AITL, Faisal Jassem, Manager Sales, Jafza (DP World), Rajesh Kamath, Director, Trading & Special Projects, Goltens Co., Idris Shahpurwala, Director -Sales and Marketing, Saifee Ship Chandlers, Ms. Anjali Ramchandani, DGM - Pricing & Network, Emirates Logistics, Vinit Bagadia, Director, Dhruva Media Services, Shirish Nadkarni, Advisor, Dhruva Media Services, Deepan Sharma, Managing Director, Captains Freight Services, Partha S. Pal, GM Commercial, International Shipping & Logistics, and Biji Joseph, General Manager, Middle East Fuji.

Meanwhile, a “textile week” at the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai beginning on Friday (today), will pitch for India as a sourcing destination for the global textile industry.

The week-long programmes will be inaugurated virtually by India’s Minister of State for Textiles, Darshana V Jardosh. She said as a prelude to the opening that “India is the world’s second largest exporter of textiles and clothing and focuses on both quality and scale of production to become a global manufacturing hub.”

She noted that the textile week presents an immense opportunity for global investors and buyers. “Indian textile is world-renowned as it not only represents country’s glittering past but also matches up to the demands of modern times.”

The textile industry is India’s largest employer. It employs 45 million workers. India’s foreign direct investment allows 100 per cent investment under the automatic route in the entire textile value chain.

A high-level delegation led by India’s Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, Vijoy Kumar Singh, will be at the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai throughout the designated week to meet global business federations, industry chambers and to explore potential business tie-ups through investor connect programmes and roundtable discussions.

The delegation will comprise Chairmen of major Export Promotion Councils across the Indian textiles sector ranging from handlooms to silk and from rayon to jute.