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The Ambassador of Italy Armando Varricchio visits Miami, Florida (February 19-20, 2020)

Washington DC (February 21, 2020) – The “Made in Italy” brand was the focus of the recent visit to Miami, Florida, by Ambassador of Italy to the United States Armando Varricchio. Particular attention was given to the nautical sector and the role of Italian entrepreneurship for Italy-Florida relations.

“Florida represents an important trading and cultural partner for Italy,” Ambassador Varricchio commented about his visit. “There are many sectors that bind us together and many Italian and Italian-American entrepreneurs working in this area boosting trade between our two countries and strengthening the strong bonds of friendship between the US and Italy.”

During his visit, in addition to meetings with representatives of the so-called “Sistema Paese” active in Miami, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Italian Trade Agency, Comites, the Dante Alighieri society, the Miami Scientific Italian Community, ODLI, the Ambassador also met the CEO of San Lorenzo Americas, Marco Segato, and other players in the nautical sector, as proof of the importance that this sector plays for Italy-Florida economic and trade relations. The State of Florida is the first U.S. market for sales of boats, engines, trailers, and accessories, while Italy is one of the top US partners in terms of imports, in second place after Mexico. Italy is also in third place, after Canada and Mexico, for imports.

The Ambassador’s agenda also included meetings with other representatives of our Italian entrepreneurship, academic, and scientific research communities to discuss the progress of Italy-Florida trade relations and to discuss issues related to research and the promotion of the Italian language. During his visit, Ambassador Varricchio also met with the Italy Miami Think Tank, a group composed of prominent Italian personalities engaged in Florida, in the academic, economic-commercial, and scientific fields.

During his visit to Florida, Ambassador Varricchio then awarded, on behalf of the President of the Republic, the Honor of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI) to the Senior Vice President of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Melvin Dick, for his contribution to the diffusion and appreciation of the Italian wine culture in the United States.

The Ambassador finally gave an interview to Miami Today Magazine, touching upon — in addition to bilateral relations — issues like environmental sustainability and climate change, in view of Italy’s key role, in partnership with the UK Government, at the COP26 later this year.