October 29, 2020
Dear Members and Partners,
The coronavirus pandemic has completely changed the state of the global economy and of trade between Canada and the world. The ICCC is here to help you get through this difficult period, by supporting you and your international business strategies.
ITALY
AGRI-FOOD
Digital Passport for Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP will be the first Italian food product to introduce a digital passport. This food traceability project was presented on October 23rd in Parma, during the CIBUS TEC Food Technology Conference. The digital passport will be connected to the free Trust your Food® app, through which it will be possible to track each ingredient throughout the supply chain. This initiative will aid in the protection of Made in Italy food products against counterfeit and fraud thanks to the digital passport’s blockchain technology. To learn more click here. (article in Italian)
Italy’s Food Sector is Recovering Thanks to Organic IGP Products
Despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the Italian organic food sector continues to grow, with domestic sales expected to exceed 4.3 billion euros in 2020. The positive growth of the industry reflects the increase of organic products in Italy, which has grown by 79% over the last 10 years as well as an increase in the number of organic retailers and e-commerce exporters, who are expected to see a rise of 8% in sales compared to 2019. Read more here. (article in Italian)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Robotics and AI are Being Used to Clean Workplaces
The Sanitize project was born out of a public-private partnership between Modis (an Adecco Group company specializing in IT consulting and engineering), the startup Formula E from Padua, the University of Bologna and the Bi-Rex competency center in Bologna. The goal is to design and develop robots using artificial intelligence to clean and sanitize workspaces. The robots will be equipped with an automatic motor on which will be ultraviolet lights which will be able to eliminate 99.99% of pathogens present in the air and on surfaces. The project will last approximately six months and is funded by the Emilia-Romagna Region and by the research funds of the European Union. Learn more here. (article in Italian)
INNOVATION
“Retro-Innovation”: the Secret to Relaunching Made in Italy Products
Retro-innovation focuses on the development and renewal of traditional sectors using technology. According to Endeavor Italia, a non-profit organization that supports entrepreneurs, retro-innovation is not only about digital innovation, but is an internal change that affects all areas. Some companies selling Made in Italy products such as Winelivery, Chitè and Pescaria have all benefited from “retro-innovation”; Winelivery by offering home wine cellar services including delivery and a virtual sommelier, Chità by offering personalized undergarments to women using 3D rendering technology, and Pescaria using innovative cloud distribution processes in its restaurants to measure consumption in real time. To learn more, click here. (article in Italian)
CANADA
NEW MEASURES
Measures in Red Zones extended until November 23rd
The Premier of Quebec announced on Monday, October 26th that what was initially to be a 28-day challenge will be extended by four additional weeks. Therefore, in red zones, public places such as bars, restaurants and gyms will remain closed until November 23rd. Learn more here.
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB): New Federal Assistance Program
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is a new emergency financial assistance program put in place to replace the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which remained in effect for a total of 7 months and ended on September 27th. This new benefit will grant $ 500 per week for up to 26 weeks to workers who have stopped working or have had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19 and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance. Learn more here.
New Aid Program Available for Businesses in Red Zones
The Government of Quebec is enhancing its Concerted Temporary Action Program for Businesses (PACTE) and the Emergency Assistance Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (PAUPME) to help businesses ordered to close due to the second wave of COVID-19 in the province. Assistance for Businesses in Regions under Maximum Alert (AERAM) will allow business subject to closure orders to obtain financing to cover their fixed costs. Read more here.
EVENT
Save the Date!
Participate in an International Forum on Artificial Intelligence organized by the ICCC
After the success of the first edition of the Canada-Italy Business Forum on Artificial Intelligence, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada (ICCC) strongly believes that this is the ideal time to bring together once again Canadian and Italian AI stakeholders, universities, research centers, SMEs, start-ups, and large companies, along with expert speakers and panelists during the second edition of the Business Forum which will be taking place from November 18th to 20th, in a digital format.
THEMES
For more information and to register click here: LEARN MORE
Our team remains dedicated to answer all your questions and to assist you.
We invite you to visit our website and social media platforms frequently for the latest updates.
Thank you for your continued trust and stay safe.
The ICCC Team
