(Sept. 7) – The complex of the former chocolate factory Krasny Oktyabr, one of the best places in the heart of Moscow, opens its doors to Made in Italy. Fashion, design, food and wine, mechanical and tourism will be protagonist at “Exhibitaly: Italian excellence today” from September 12, 2012 to January 6, 2013.” The initiative, organized by MondoMostre, was presented this morning at Palazzo Chigi by Prime Minister Secretary Antonio Catricalà, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Mario Catania, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Marta Dassù, the coordinator of the “Year of culture and Italian language in Russia – 2011” Giuliano Urbani and Beniamino Quintieri, the project coordinator. The initiative, launched by the previous center-right government, has been carried out by the current technical executive with the strong support of Prime Minister Mario Monti, as pointed out by Catricalà. Why focus on Russia? Between 2010 and 2011, despite a weak domestic demand, the total Italian exports grew by 11,4%, a figure that rises to 17.8% if we consider exports to Russia. This prove the attention that Russians give to Made in Italy. A second reason is the entry of Russia into the World Trade Organization after 17 years of negotiations. “In order to increase the interest and curiosity of the Russians,” continued Quintieri showing contents of the event, “will open the calendar of events with an exhibition: ten great showcases, five meters high, containing many iconic objects made in Italy, will be the preview of main events of the event that we have called Grand Tour of Italy”. From 12-28 September, on the Patriarshy Most adjacent to the archaeological industry complex there will be put dresses by Valentino, Ferragamo and Zegna, a Ferrari, a Vespa and an Aprilia, the famous Kartell chairs, two allegorical sculptures inspired by Arcimboldo and made with pasta and elements that summarize the culture of wine. The program, not definitive, will start with the Enel exhibition “Energy @ world” (12-28 September) about the electrification of Italy from the war to date, followed by three more exhibitions on key sectors for Made in Italy: “Welcome to design” (11-28 October), “Nation of Fashion” (7-26 November) and “Tech me to the Future.” The ICE will take care of food and wine and the most fashionable Italian restaurants in Moscow will participate in the events offering typical menus, while the Ministry of Sport and the ENIT will promote tourism to Italy. (Caf/red)
