Nov. 26 – Moscow and Bari are not as distant as geography might suggest, as trade relations prove that Russia wants to discover the activities that have made Puglia famous around the world: its fashion and food industry. A delegation of 25 Russian operators, buyers, distributors and importers will be in Puglia until November 28 to meet with more than 100 local companies that excel in the production of textiles, clothing and footwear, and wine, olive oil, pasta, canned vegetables, meats and cheeses. The initiative – which began on Sunday – is the final phase of the An Apulian Journey project, created by Regione Puglia and Confindustria Bari and Bat, which in October saw 19 opinion leaders and Russian journalists head to the Italian region to discover the best local productions and report back on them in Russia. Both phases aim at consolidating trade relations with Russia, to which in 2012 Puglia increased its exports by 11%, for a value of €94.7 million. The sectors covered by An Apulian Journey in 2012 saw their exports reach total value of over €45 million. During the program, Russian buyers will get to know Bari, Salento, and Foggia operators, and will discuss with them during workshops with trade analysts from the Moscow ICE offices, PugliaPromozione and Confindustria Bari – Bat and 559 one to one business meetings. Thanks to the initiative, Puglia companies will receive important information on business opportunities in Russia.
