Italy offers special status & routes for shipping

Italy has offered India special status on shipping routes to help it access European and other markets.
To begin with, Italy has signed agreements with India for collaboration between Mumbai and Venice and Chennai and Gensa ports, Exim News Service reports.
The Italian Economic Development Minister, Mr Claudio Scajola, pointed out that Italy could be a gateway for Europe. The agreements would help these ports share technologies and expertise in carrying out further development of ports and docks as well as streamline container movements.
Also, the two sides could make joint efforts to increase bilateral trade three-fold from the present level of $ 8 billion in three years.
According to Mr Scajola, India and Italy can share expertise in renewable energy, nuclear power, agro and food processing, manufacturing, logistics, textiles and tourism.
Mr Scajola earlier held discussions with the Commerce Minister, Mr Anand Sharma, to find ways to increase bilateral trade. More action may follow during Mr Sharma’s visit to that country in six months, he believed.
Italy is India’s fourth-largest trading partner in the European Union. In terms of exports, Italy stands on the eleventh slot, while it is 23rd in terms of imports.
Though bilateral trade is still at modest levels, it has been growing at a steady yearly average of 30 per cent.
Despite the global economic crisis, exports to Italy grew by 13.26 per cent in April-December 2008-09. The main items exported were refined petroleum products and nuclear combustibles, machinery and food products, beverages and tobacco.

Source: Transport Weekly