Antonio Rotondo: Opening the doors to Italian excellence in UAE

Antonio Rotondo, President of Czech-Italian Chamber of Commerce, provides a clear and insightful perspective on the expansion of Italian businesses in Dubai. He emphasizes the importance of cultural ties in fostering economic exchanges and the necessity for Italian craftsmanship to adapt to the global stage. Rotondo's passion is evident as he describes his supportive role in guiding Italian companies toward international growth, especially within the nurturing business environment of the UAE. His leadership is focused on leveraging the unique qualities of Italian enterprises to thrive in a competitive global market. The following is a brief overview of Rotondo's in-depth discussion on the trajectory of Italian business ventures in the UAE. His expertise highlights the strategic efforts and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening the Italian presence in this economically vibrant region.

December 26, 2023

Reading Time: 5 mins read

Antonio what was the main motivation behind the initiative of “Italian Excellence in UAE”?

The initiative arises from a commitment to globally promote and expand the reputation of products labeled as Made in Europe. Beyond economic gains, the primary incentive is rooted in the cultural dimension that forms the basis of each interaction, expanding the economic perspective to encompass an idea that underlies every transaction.

Mutual trust, the devotion to beauty and truth, and the precision of positioning serve as the foundation for a meaningful exchange between Italian excellence and the rest of the world, especially considering the pioneering role that the United Arab Emirates play today.

How do you envision the future of Italian entrepreneurship in the global context, given the growing prominence of “Made in Italy”?

The Made in Italy brand has a solid reputation, but resting on past achievements is not an option. It must be reaffirmed daily, drawing on the strengths of a remarkably diverse production that seems almost magically infinite, particularly given the limited territory it encompasses. Italian entrepreneurship possesses the cultural inclination to showcase its best through products and production, considering the diverse traits of foreign counterparts. In a globalized world, the quest for niches where the “local” harmonizes with the “global” becomes crucial.

What are the main challenges that Italian companies face when trying to expand internationally and how do you, as President of the Chamber of Commerce, support these companies in their journey?

I believe that companies will encounter and continue to face challenges that focus more on specific things. This means considering unique strengths that blend with the diverse needs of a business world looking for quality, beauty, and wisdom. It’s like a journey, guided by respect for diversity and pride in local production. As President, my commitment is to help, promote, and link companies with local institutions where partnerships exist.

Furthermore, we support our partners by promoting and organizing networking and B2B activities. This includes targeted consultations and actively seeking out opportunities.

What is the main goal of the Business Matching & Networking mission in the United Arab Emirates?

The Business Matching mission in the Emirates aims to foster encounters between companies and potential commercial partners, including investors and government entities. The goal is to create opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, or investments between local and international companies, promoting economic and commercial development for all parties involved. The collaboration is significant in terms of knowledge exchange, commercial and cultural opportunities, as well as the promotion of investments and partnerships.

Why are the United Arab Emirates seen as an ideal hub for small and medium-sized Italian enterprises (SMEs)?

Italian small and medium-sized enterprises serve as the backbone of the country, and this becomes apparent when Italian excellence is showcased internationally.

The United Arab Emirates immediately recognized the professionalism and potential of SMEs, making it an ideal hub for both large enterprises and small businesses. This includes niches of craftsmanship that often distinguish between a generic product and one infused with artisanal uniqueness. The geographical centrality of the United Arab Emirates within neighboring countries, reaching approximately 4 billion people, further adds to its appeal as a hub for SMEs. Several factors contribute to the UAE’s status as a business hub. It boasts a stable economy, modern infrastructure, and investment-friendly policies. The presence of free zones and favorable taxation also attracts numerous international companies, creating an optimal environment for those seeking growth and development opportunities.

How is the Abu Dhabi Chamber contributing to the growth of the private sector and what are its goals for 2025?

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce is pivotal for private sector development. It is committed to facilitating the entrepreneurial environment by simplifying processes, offering registration and licensing services, and promoting investments and business development. Looking ahead to 2025, the Chamber commits to expanding international partnerships and initiating initiatives to foster a sustainable economy.

How significant is the collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Chamber and CCIRC?

Beyond the significant economic exchange, the relationship between CCIRC and the Abu Dhabi Chamber is founded on mutual trust, creating a genuine friendship with all parties involved. This friendship is built on the commitment to keeping promises, free from bureaucratic obstacles and unnecessary complications.

How is Sharjah positioning itself as a key player in the UAE’s entrepreneurial community and what are the goals of the Sharjah Chamber?

Sharjah demonstrates strategic intelligence and foresight in its approach to small and medium-sized enterprises, recognizing the significance of widely distributed niche businesses as conveyors of knowledge for the benefit of collective intelligence in international markets. The commitment to supporting small businesses is evident in the diversity of Sharjah, which encompasses centers for knowledge and research serving both the local and international community. Cultivating culture, understood not just as erudition but as a fundamental aspect, is crucial for addressing the upcoming challenges. Culture serves as the cornerstone of a system grounded in free trade and mutual understanding, extending beyond mere economic considerations.

What are the main activities planned during the mission to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah?

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah stand out as the three most significant Emirates, each showcasing distinct strengths that, when combined, create a synergy to attract diverse knowledge. The selection of these three Emirates is based on their individual characteristics, representing not only excellence but also a keen understanding of the interconnected nature of commercial and social experiences.

How  much budget have the UAE allocated specifically for initiatives aimed at attracting and facilitating international businesses, particularly Italian ones?

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates (MOiAT) has initiated a national and global program focused on boosting industrial growth in the UAE. The goal is to double the GDP by 2031 and shift from a reliance on an oil-based economy to a strategy involving increased investments in various sectors. These include heavy industry, manufacturing, transportation, petrochemicals, tourism, information technology, telecommunications, renewable energies, aviation, and space, all geared toward export-oriented development.

The ministry plans to allocate 300 billion for the development and implementation of various sectors. This includes 4 billion for the hydrogen sector, 5 billion for the pharmaceutical sector, 37 billion for the mechanical industry, and 70 billion for the chemical, rubber, and plastics sectors.

Furthermore, in Abu Dhabi, there’s a government hub called ADIO (Abu Dhabi Investment Office). ADIO offers tools, data, and access to the entire innovative and investment system of the Emirate. It supports entrepreneurs through measures like the “energy tariff incentive program” and the “industrial land incentives program.”

Ready to Ready to take control of your finances and achieve your money goals? Dive deeper into the world of wealth building with our exclusive resources!

🔗 Website: MoneysMagazine.com

🔗 LinkedIn: Connect with us on LinkedIn

🔗 Instagram: Follow us on Instagram

Don't miss out on expert advice, insightful articles, and practical tips to grow your wealth. Sign up now to access our premium content and embark on your journey to financial freedom!

BY Egli HAXHIRAJ, Anamaria MESHKURTI, Jonida GJUZI and Viktoriia SAVITSKA.

© All Rights Reserved Moneys Media Ltd Geneva, Switzerland.