By the Ukrainian Ambassador to Rome, Yaroslav Melnik for Zn.UA
"Italy is one of Ukraine's main trading partners. Unlike many other European states, Ukraine has maintained a positive annual trade balance with Italy over the past decades. However, challenges in recent years, from the COVID-19 crisis to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, have significantly complicated trade and economic relations. These challenges have required effective solutions from diplomatic institutions to restore and enhance cooperation, introducing new formats of interaction in the B2B and G2B sectors. Preserving and increasing domestic exports, entering new markets, and expanding presence in traditional ones are crucial for ensuring the stability of the Ukrainian economy and the survival of Ukrainian businesses in the face of Russian aggression.
A significant tool for finding potential partners in the Italian market is participation in specialized international exhibitions held annually in Italy. These are often well-known international events that attract leading representatives of the respective industry from around the world. While in the past, the presence of a Ukrainian manufacturer as a full-fledged participant, rather than just a visitor, was more of an exception than a common practice, efforts by the Ukrainian embassy in Italy and the Nazovni platform have changed this. Since April of last year, Ukrainian manufacturers have collectively received 603 square meters of free exhibition space at Italy's most powerful exhibition venues. Moreover, the construction of 311 square meters of this space was also free.
In March, well-known Ukrainian beverage and confectionery brands had the opportunity to showcase their products at the food exhibition CIBUS in Parma. In April, Ukrainian furniture makers successfully participated in the world's most popular furniture and interior design exhibition, Salone del Mobile, in Milan. Ukrainian manufacturers were also represented at the Sana 2023 exhibition of organic and natural products in Bologna, the Marmomac exhibition of stone processing technologies and products in Verona, the hospitality industry exhibition SIA Hospitality Design, and the 40th International Ceramic Exhibition, Salone Internazionale della Ceramica 2023 — Cersaie, in Bologna. They also took part in the comprehensive Codeway Expo in Rome, the apple exhibition Interpoma in Bolzano, the construction exhibition Made Expo in Milan, and the exhibition of raw materials and equipment for the production of cosmetic products, Making Cosmetics and in-Vitality, in Milan.
In addition, in March, with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy and the Nazovni platform, Ukrainian companies participated in a B2B event in the format of "All You Can Meet" and held meetings with well-known retail chains, distributors, and procurement groups from Italy and other countries worldwide. As a result, Italy's major retail chains, Conad and Coop, are currently processing opportunities to sell a range of Ukrainian products on their shelves.
As a result of the work already carried out, Ukrainian companies have entered into 43 contracts for the supply of furniture, confectionery products, corn, sugar, soy, metal castings, and even berries to Italy. Agreements have also been reached regarding the participation of Ukrainian producers on favorable terms in specific international exhibitions planned in Italy next year, including the Cosmoprof cosmetics exhibition, the Salone del Mobile furniture exhibition, the Cibus food exhibition, and the EIMA exhibition of agricultural and gardening equipment.
The Ukraine – Italy Marketplace 2023 is a unique project launched in April this year in close cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Italy, the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy, the international platform Nazovni, and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). This initiative takes place on the ITA Fiera Smart 365 digital platform, which brings together over 200,000 Italian companies. It is the first time in the history of the Italian Trade Agency, which prioritizes supporting the export of Italian products and their activities in international markets, that a separate section has been created for Ukrainian exporting companies. This signifies shared interests between Italian and Ukrainian exporters in European and third-country markets.
The digital exhibition allows Ukrainian businesses to present their products to the Italian market quickly and efficiently, overcoming the challenges of participating in offline events abroad in the current times. The Ukraine – Italy Marketplace 2023 on the marketplace provides an opportunity to reach a maximum potential audience, as information about Ukrainian products and manufacturers is showcased on Italy's most popular business platform.
This digital marketplace serves as a convenient alternative for thousands of exporters who are unable to travel abroad and physically attend exhibitions in Italy. Essentially, it operates as a continuous online exhibition where nearly every Ukrainian manufacturer can participate. To join, companies need to become residents of the Nazovni international platform, submit an application to the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy, select "exhibition events" from the list of services, and specify "Ukraine – Italy Marketplace 2023" in the comments. If the company has all the necessary digitized materials, the process of creating an expo page on the portal will take no more than 15-20 minutes. Subsequently, they need to stay connected and promptly respond to requests for online meetings from potential partners in Italy.
Currently, the platform has registered 71 Ukrainian companies offering nearly two hundred products. The number continues to grow, reflecting the potential of Ukrainian businesses to offer valuable products to the Italian market. Given the fact that this project allows them to do so without leaving the office, it provides a valuable opportunity for Ukrainian businesses.
Furthermore, it's important to note that the creation of the web representation is not the endpoint for all parties involved in initiating the project. The work with the platform involves continuous updating of presentation materials, diverse communication with Italian partners, and processing inquiries and details of collaboration. Regular rounds of active B2B matchmaking take place, involving targeted informational campaigns for manufacturers. For instance, an event in May allowed 22 Ukrainian companies to conduct 50 working meetings with potential Italian partners. Another round is scheduled to take place soon. Don't miss out!"
