(ANSAmed) - BARI, MAY 3 - Despite the fact that international
geopolitical instability has weakened it slightly, trade between
Italy and the 22 countries of the Arab League was sizeable in
2017.
Exports were at 27.775 billion euros, compared with 28
billion the previous year, and imports were at about 23 billion,
against 19 billion in 2016.
The top export sectors were mechanical engineering and
machinery, refined petroleum products, civil engineering and
construction, furniture, textiles and clothing, agro-food,
cosmetics, and biomedical equipment.
The figures were presented on Thursday in Bari as part of the
first day of the Italian and Arab Enterprise Bourse, organized
by the Puglia regional government and the Italo-Arab Chamber of
Cooperation.
The event was the brainchild of current regional councillor
Michele Mazzarano from the Democratic Party (PD), in his role as
economic development advisor.
Opening the Bourse was the managing director of the
Italo-Arab Chamber of Cooperation, Raimondo Schiavone, who
stressed that the top trade partners of Italy is the UAE, to
which Italy exports over five billion in goods, mostly jewelry.
Following is Saudi Arabia, with about 4 billion euros in
goods exported to the country and Egypt with 3 billion.
In Egypt, Italy has long been working in the renewable energy
sector, while about 17% of the total of machinery imported into
Egypt comes from Italy.
"In 2025," Schiavone said, "one third of the world population
will be Muslim, which means that halal products will have to be
put on the market. And Italy has substantial production in the
agro-food, cosmetics and biomedical fields, which could offer
significant opportunities."
Schiavone then noted that Expo 2020 would be held in Dubai,
underscoring that "Puglia is getting ready as best it can for
this event, focusing special attention and able to look far away
to an area that now seems to be in difficulty but which has
large development potential."
The Italian and Arab Enterprise Bourse will run through May 5
and will host a delegation of 30 from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the
UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.
Over 140 Italian enterprises active in sectors focused on by
the initiative will be taking part: advanced mechanical
engineering, Oil & Gas (technology and supply), Green and Blue
economy, building materials and healthcare.
Trade in 2017 between Puglia and the Arab countries taking
part in the Bourse was 246.094 million euros, with a trade
balance in Puglia's favor.
Exports from the Puglia region to the six Arab countries was
at 144.7 million euros and imports 101.4 million euros, a
different of 43.3 million.
Puglia exports mainly machinery, footwear, clothing,
agricultural products, telecommunications devices and furniture
to the countries in question. (ANSAmed).
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