Inauguration of the Italo-Swiss Industrial Forum in Lugano

(ANSA) - GINEVRA, 16 OTT - The President of the Grand Council of the Canton of Ticino, Michele Guerra, and the Italian Ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, today inaugurated the first edition of the Italian-Swiss Industrial Forum, organised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Switzerland at the Campus Est of the Supsi University in Lugano. The event - reports a press release issued by the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Switzerland - brought together authorities, institutions and over 200 entrepreneurs.
    "Relations between Italy and Switzerland begin right here, in Canton Ticino, which is the gateway between the two countries, and we know how intense the interchange is: one billion euros a week even, and more than 40% of this interchange involves the border regions, the north of Italy and in particular Lombardy. There is a very high level of union and cooperation that brings wealth to both countries,' said Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado. The Forum,' he added, 'favoured B2B meetings, both direct and industrial entrepreneurs. I hope precisely this: that there will be better knowledge on an institutional, personal and partnership level between two countries, in favour of strengthening a privileged relationship that will take us far'.
    The first Industrial Forum was attended by an international panel of speakers and saw the partnership of the main Italian institutions in Switzerland, including the Italian Embassy in Bern, the Consulate General of Italy in Lugano, Ice - Italian Trade Agency, Simest, and Switzerland Global Enterprise.
    During his inaugural speech, the Italian Ambassador to Switzerland pointed out that the Forum is taking place on the eve of tomorrow's signing in Rome of the agreement on cabotage between Italy and Switzerland, which will mark an epoch-making step in transport and interconnections between the two countries.
    "As a Chamber, we are committed to promoting our industry in this rich and dynamic market. We do this at a time when, through the disruption of supply chains and the crisis in Germany, we are in danger of suffering, said Fabrizio Macrì, Secretary General of the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Switzerland. With this event we therefore want to inaugurate a cycle of strategic appointments that will support our Made in Italy industry, enhancing it to the fullest".