The MEB resumes Trade Missions abroad with a successful trip to Florence

 

The statistics speak volumes as in terms of trade with Monaco, Italy is the number one customer and supplier (apart from France), explained by the close links between the two countries geographically, historically and culturally.

 

For many years, Monaco Economic Board has organised operations in Italy to boost trade, relying on Monaco’s Embassy in Italy and local Italian Chambers of Commerce. But it also has its own invaluable network in the Ambassadors Club Destination Monaco, a club of high-ranking Italian decision-makers with strong links to the Principality, supported by the Monaco Government and MEB. The network of 400+ members in 13 cities extends Monaco’s influence at the highest level to generate business opportunities between the two nations. 

 

Turin, Milan, Naples, Rome and Venice have been on the receiving end of these Trade Missions, and finally MEB was able to organise a long-awaited one to Florence. 

 

A delegation* led by MEB Executive Director General Guillaume Rose, comprised a dozen business leaders operating in banking and finance, ICT, e-commerce, business services, energy and insurance.

 

The business forum on the Wednesday at the Florence Stock Exchange Palace was a highlight, with two agreement protocols signed by MEB with its counterparts at the Florence Chamber of Commerce and Cofindustria Firenze. After both parties had done presentations on their respective economies and opportunities, Monegasques had a chance to pitch their companies before a session of BtoB meetings with companies targeted by MEB’s partners. 

 

Thanks to the invaluable assistance of the Monaco Consul in Florence, Alessandro Giusti and Ambassadors Club Destination Monaco, the delegation met captains of industry from the region at a series of events in prestigious venues such as Villa Bardini overlooking the city and the restaurant in the Chianti vineyards on the roof of the futuristic Antinori cellar. 

 

Finally, visits to sites symbolising Tuscany’s knowhow such as the Nana Bianca incubator accelerator and Gucci Museum completed the packed programme of a fruitful trip.

 

Guillaume Rose said: “This Trade Mission was like a breath of fresh air for our members who like us have been blocked by the pandemic. It sends a strong signal of recovery and optimism for companies in the Principality keen to expand and seeking new opportunities.” 

 

Other Trade Missions are being planned for the second half of the year including to Antwerp, St Petersburg, Amsterdam and the Monaco Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020.