Dear members and partners,
In a unique and constantly evolving global context, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada (ICCC) informs you about the latest developments in both of the Italian and Canadian markets. We share industry news that may have an impact on your relationship with your partners and customers, or that may constitute new development opportunities for your business. The ICCC is supporting you in your international business strategies.
ITALY
STARTUP / INNOVATION
Startup: Italy in the world’s top 10 to finance innovation
Italy is the ninth country in the world for loans to innovative companies through public grants: in the ranking prepared by the British newspaper Money, the Innovation investment index, the country is positioned within the top ten thanks to a total of nearly 105.000 euros in non-repayable loans for innovation in 2019. The Innovation Investment Index analyzes the amount of subsidies to companies from the governments of the world’s major economies. The aim is to understand if this has an impact on the number of patents registered in the countries analyzed. Money experts developed the index based on six factors and each country can have a maximum score of 10 points per category: 60 represents the top of innovation. Canada is the country with the highest score (44,5). Out of a population of 37.4 million inhabitants, 52.6% of companies are startups. To learn more, click here.
Milano Digital Week: an international meeting of innovation
Milan has always been known around the world for its sparkling fashion and design weeks, but in recent years the city has also been talked about among startuppers and innovators for its digital week which closed its fourth edition on March 21. Over the years, the meetings have contributed to the rise of digital culture in the city. While during the early years, the event attracted much interest from the ICT industry, high tech world and start-ups; today technology has become transversal and involves large and small companies, foundations, universities and the world of volunteering. The festival has thus developed a lot: during the first edition, 400 events were scheduled, the one that has just ended has staged more than 650, bringing together actors from all over the world to think about the development of a “ fair and sustainable city ”. The city plays its role of Italian digital capital well and excels for the number of startups (20% of the country’s total). Read more here.
AGRIFOOD / TOURISM
Synergy between tourism and agriculture for Italian recovery: agreement between Enit and Unicredit
According to data from the Nomisma-UniCredit Tourism Observatory, which analyzed the behavior of Italian tourists before and after summer 2020, territory, culture, local traditions and culinary experiences appear as key elements for travelers in choosing their destination. Among the criteria are: the possibility of going for walks in nature (44%), cycling (18%) and outdoor sports (20%). Indeed, we find among the criteria: the ability to take walks in nature (44%), cycling (18%) and outdoor sports (20%). The gastronomic and oenological aspect is also important: 15% of travelers, during their holidays, have made a gastronomic and oenological circuit and 10% have visited farms or educational farms. The partnership between Enit, the Italian National Tourism Agency, and Unicredit, aims to develop a tourism supply chain integrated to the agri-food sector. This combination of tourism and agribusiness, two sectors that appear even more strategic in the post-Covid era, is an opportunity to promote Italy as a destination. Read more here.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
An organic material from wood to replace plastic
The start-up Service Biontech, in collaboration with the Campanian University Luigi Vanvitelli, gives life to a natural, particular and innovative material, which can be used in various fields, from the packaging of food products to construction, as a panel thermal or acoustic insulation. This organic “tile”, made from the woods, produced without impact and without plastic, is composed of a bioplastic coating and a “core” obtained from agricultural waste. The use of this waste, in addition to being economical and ecological, also allows great flexibility of use in various industrial fields. This year, the start-up was awarded the Circular Bioeconomy section of the BioInItaly National Roadshow, an Assobiotec event in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and Cluster Spring, dedicated to researchers, companies and budding entrepreneurs. Read more here.
INDUSTRY 4.0 / TECHNOLOGIES
Important agreement between Smeup and Progetto 6: growth, acquisition of skills and development of new markets
A new partnership in the IT world has been signed between Progetto 6, an innovative company specializing in identification technologies and Industry 4.0, and smeup, a leading company in the Italian IT landscape. Smeup thus enters the capital of Progetto 6 by adhering to its industrial plan, with the objective of mutual growth in products and the search for new solutions adapted to the market. The agreement will offer customers of both companies an even more varied offer enriched by the mutual skills developed over years of experience with companies from different sectors. Learn more, here.
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CANADA
TRANSPORT
Port of Montreal: canadian organizations and companies mobilize to avoid a new strike
After a seven-month truce following a 12-day strike last summer, Port of Montreal longshoremen rejected the employer’s final offer on Sunday. As the union says it is ready to resume negotiations, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada is urging Canadian organizations and businesses to mobilize to prevent another strike.
Let us recall that a series of rotating strikes (from July 2 to 4, then from July 29 to August 1) followed by a general strike (from August 10 to 22) of dockers and controllers of the Port of Montreal took place on a total of 19 days in 2020 and had considerable economic and operational impacts on the Port of Montreal as well as on users and supply chains.
Find here a template letter to request the intervention of government.
Event
Join the Gala Les Mérites STIQ 2021 on March 31!
The CCIC presents the Gala Les Mérites STIQ 2021, a free event that will be held virtually on March 31 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. This prestigious event highlights the performance of Quebec manufacturing SMEs that have distinguished themselves through their participation in STIQ’s Podium Transport program. The Gala Les Mérites STIQ, which takes place every two years, brings together more than 150 representatives of the Quebec business community. In addition to attending the awards ceremony, this event allows participants to maintain and develop their network. To participate, click here.
ICCC NEWS
Italimenti, the empire of authentic Italian gastronomy in downtown Montreal
Montreal’s newest authentic Italian culinary destination has officially opened on March 16th, located on the ground floor of the prestigious Roccabella Condo Tower in downtown Montreal. Italimenti’s 5000 sq ft meticulously designed store, brings Montrealer’s the best Italian gourmet food experience inspired by the finest imported products from across the different culinary regions of Italy. While opening a new gourmet venture during these ever-changing times was not without its challenges, Mr. Occhiuto strongly believes that Italimenti’s mission to bring the best Italy has to offer to downtown Montreal could not happen at a better time. “Many of us miss travelling and sharing meals with our friends and family, food has the power to transport you to a country or to a moment when you shared an incredible meal with your loved ones. We want to help our customers create unforgettable dining experiences” he explained.
JOB OFFER
The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada is recruiting a Digital Marketing Specialist.
The ICCC is looking for a Digital Marketing Specialist, who will be in charge of the development of digital strategies and campaigns aimed at supporting the outreach of Wine and Travel Italy website as well as supporting the clients of the ICCC, its members and its various initiatives. The ideal candidate has a good knowledge of digital marketing strategies (social networks, website, newsletter, webcast, organic and paid referencing, etc.). The candidate has solid organizational skills, along with a sense of initiative, a great reactivity and the will to evolve in an organization on a human scale. He/she has a strong interest in Italian culture and gastronomy, as well as a basic knowledge of Italian.
If your profile matches and if you would like to join our team, do not hesitate to contact us!
Learn more here
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
