Message from the ICCC: New Green Certification in Italy; significant investment in Québec's life sciences sector, and more...

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

GREEN / MADE IN ITALY

New Green Certification in Italy

Already recognized as a leader in green technologies, Italy has just created a new certification – “Made Green in Italy” – for companies that stand out with their exceptional environmental performance and the excellence of their Made in Italy production. Through this initiative, the Ministero della Transizione ecologica (Ministry of Ecological Transition), wishes to orient the Italian production system towards the use of the environmental footprint not only as a lever for the improvement of environmental performance and the valorisation of Made in Italy, but also to promote the competitiveness of Italian products on international markets. Read more here. (Article in Italian)

TECHNOLOGY / E-COMMERCE

Italian villages in the age of e-commerce

The “Borghi digitali” project, which was launched with a collaboration between Confcommercio and eBay in 2020, is gaining popularity in Italy. Launched during a year that was particularly difficult for regional tourism, this initiative aims to offer small traders and producers operating in small Italian villages the option of e-commerce, and to encourage their entry into the online market. They thus have the opportunity to make their excellence known in Italy and around the world, through the various networks offered by electronic commerce, as well as benefit from an international platform. To the three localities featured in 2020 (Borgo San Lorenzo and Sansepolcro in Tuscany, and Norcia in Umbria), six new villages have been added for 2021: Spilimbergo in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia; Bellagio in Lombardy; Caorle in Veneto; Assisi in Umbria; Ruvo di Puglia in Puglia and San Giovanni in Fiore in Calabria, thus offering an exceptional digital showcase to 140 companies spread over the Italian territory. Discover this innovative project and the villages featured here. (Article in Italian)

CANADA

LIFE SCIENCES / INVESTMENT

Québec invests $13 million in a drug production project at the Université de Montréal

In order to increase Quebec’s autonomy in the discovery, development and production of ingredients necessary for the composition of drugs, the Government of Quebec recently announced a $1M investment in a project of the Université de Montréal, Médicament Québec. The objective of this initiative will be to improve the production capacities of Quebec companies, with the intent of limiting shortages and dependence on foreign companies. Full details here. (Article in French)

TRAVEL / COVID

Air Canada to begin flights to Italy without need to quarantine upon arrival

Starting July 2, 2021, Canadians will be able to fly with Air Canada to Rome from Toronto and Montreal on government-approved COVID-tested flights without needing to quarantine on arrival. Passengers would be required to provide negative tests taken 48 hours before departing and must take another one on arrival. Italy’s ministry of health classified “COVID-tested” flights as “flights that have been authorized by the Ministry of Health by means of a special ordinance“. All details here.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE / FOOD

Québec Biofood Exports: The importance of diversification

Despite the precarious situation in 2020, Quebec experienced an 11% increase in the value of its biofood exports. These positive results – at a time when Quebec’s industry was paralyzed by the pandemic – demonstrate how exporting has become a necessity for certain sectors and how the diversification of market segments and marketing vectors can be profitable strategies. Discover which segments saw the biggest fluctuations here.

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