Rome, 19 October 2016 - UNIDO ITPO Italy hosted a delegation of Colombian representatives of the Caldas region, as part of their institutional mission to Italy focused on the promotion of their coffee sector at the fair “Trieste espresso 2016”. On the occasion of their visit to Italy, UNIDO ITPO Italy organized an event at its premises in order to facilitate mutual understanding by sharing respective experiences, and explore eventual opportunities of future collaboration.

Among others, the Colombian delegation of the Caldas region was composed by Mr. Octavio Cardona, Mayor of the city of Manizales; Mr. Angelo Quintero, Secretary of Agriculture of the Caldas department; and Ms. Gloria Patricia Pimienta, Director of the National Federation of Traders (FENALCO) of Caldas.

The meeting  was opened by a welcome speech delivered by the Director of ITPO Italy, Ms. Diana Battaggia,  followed by a presentation of ITPO Italy’s mission and multiple activities.

Mr. Octavio Cardona has presented the numerous assets and the fragilities of the city of Manizales and the Caldas region, highlighting, for instance, that Manizales is ranked first in Colombia by the World Bank’s Doing Business guide. The mayor of Manizales finished his speech by expressing his will to start a partnership with ITPO Italy, in order to further develop the agro industry sector of the Caldas region, in particular by improving  local food processing. Subsequently, Mr. Angel Quintero explained the great potential of agro-industry in the Caldas department, while Ms. Gloria Patricia Pimienta underlined the capacities and the principal activities carried out by Caldas traders.

The meeting was concluded by Ms Battaggia, who expressed her appreciation for the productive gathering and the interest of ITPO Italy to establish an effective cooperation with the Caldas region.