Italy & India Business Meet: Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Investment Opportunities!

On March 28th, 2025, the Italy & India Business Meet was successfully held in Hyderabad, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Italy. Organized by the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI) with support from the Consulate General of Italy in Bengaluru and the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), the event took place at the Ventura Gallery, a venue that featured top Italian furniture and design brands. The event brought together key business leaders, industry experts, and government representatives, providing a platform to explore the immense opportunities for Italian companies looking to invest in Hyderabad, India.

The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from Mr. Devang Mistry, Director of Ventura Gallery, followed by a speech from Mr. Alfonso Tagliaferri, Consul General of Italy in Bengaluru, who emphasized the growing importance of Indo-Italian collaboration.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Claudio Maffioletti, CEO and Secretary General of IICCI, who highlighted the recent developments in Indo-Italian business relations and the ongoing initiatives by IICCI to foster stronger bilateral trade and cross-border investment opportunities. Mr. Maffioletti also shared details about IICCI’s upcoming flagship events aimed at promoting Indian investments and Italian products. Some of the key events included:

• Namaste India (June 2025 in Milan) – An event focused on promoting Indian investments, Indian lifestyle brands, and handicrafts in Italy.
• Italian Tech in India (September 2025 in Mumbai) – An exhibition dedicated to Italian companies manufacturing in India, along with the Impresa Awards 2025 ceremony.
• Festa Italiana (November 2025) – A celebration of Made in Italy, focusing on Italian brands in sectors such as fashion, furniture, design, agri-food, automation, and culture.

In addition to the IICCI initiatives, the event also featured insightful presentations from key stakeholders such as Dr. Suresh Kumar Singhal, President of FTCCI, and Dr. Emmadi Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Special Secretary for Investment Promotion & External Engagement at the Government of Telangana. Both speakers emphasized the untapped potential for Indo-Italian partnerships, particularly in high-growth sectors like technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

A standout session at the event was a panel discussion featuring experienced Italian business leaders already established in India. The panelists shared their personal experiences and strategies for success in the Indian market, highlighting the untapped potential for Italian businesses in Telangana. The panel was moderated by Dr. Prasad S. Onkar, Professor at IIT Hyderabad, and included prominent figures such as:

• Mr. Marco Tozzi, Drillmec International
• Mr. Vinod Khanna, Apar Industries Ltd.
• Mr. Aman Chordia, Chordia Automation Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Aniket Kshatriya Vishwas, Fedegari Tech Service

The panel discussion provided valuable insights into the value of Made in Italy and the strategic opportunities for Italian businesses in India. The panelists discussed the key advantages of the Indian market, such as its rapidly growing economy, a skilled workforce, and the importance of forging strategic relationships with local partners to make collaborations more effective.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering business collaboration between Italy and India, with both nations looking to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation. Made in Italy continues to hold significant appeal in India, and this event underscored the mutual interest in strengthening economic ties, particularly in the sectors of manufacturing, technology, design, and infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Italy & India Business Meet in Hyderabad marked a key step forward in enhancing bilateral trade relations, as both nations work towards building a more connected and prosperous future. The event demonstrated the immense potential for growth and collaboration between Italy and India, with a focus on long-term strategic partnerships that benefit both sides.