Spreekpunten receptie voorafgaand aan trade dinner 19:00 20:00 uur Donderdag 22 juni Palazzo Reale Sala del Otto Colonne Milaan

Transcription

1 Spreekpunten receptie voorafgaand aan trade dinner 19:00 20:00 uur Donderdag 22 juni Palazzo Reale Sala del Otto Colonne Milaan 1

2 Distinguished guests, Dutch and Italian entrepreneurs, ladies and gentlemen, I'm Marry de Gaay Fortman and as representative of the largest confederation of entrepreneurs in the Netherlands VNO-NCW as well as business leader of this economic mission, it is an honor for me to welcome you here at this reception before the trade dinner at Palazzo Reale. There is a famous saying from the middle ages. Casa che ha il buon vicino, val più qualche fiorino. This saying means that a house with good neighbors has more value. In fact this saying is as much true for neighbour countries like the Netherlands and Italy are. I can see some Italians thinks Fiorino is not only the Dutch guilder, but isn t that coming from Florence. And yes you are right, in 1215 the Dutch copied the Fiorino into Florijn, the later guilder. Let us realize that this evening we celebrate our existing trade relation and we would like to show our commitment to further intensify this relationship. Today with the facts that Italy is the 5 th export market for Dutch goods as well as the Netherlands the 10 th export market for Italian goods, and the presence of approximately 300 Dutch companies in Italy our trade relation might be considered as clear enough. However, it is only 60 2

3 years ago that in Rome the foundations were laid for the Europe that we know today and a common market was established where people, goods, services and capital can move freely. A common market which also creates the conditions for deeper economic cooperation. Like President Mattarella stressed at the State banquet: This is the way how challenges connected to our common society have to be taken, with a mentality of mutual dedication, confidence, and shared commitment on all areas, and with benefits for both. I am proud we can present during this economic mission 4 of the Netherlands much established sectors: Water, Fashion/Design, Agri-food, Horticulture, Cultural Heritage and Food/Design. I am also happy to see among them a delegation of our Jong Management. Of course they are here for exploring more opportunities to export goods or services, but moreover they are looking forward to build up and intensify relationships with their Italian counterparts based on trust, in order to exchange views and knowledge, to cooperate, and to co-create sustainable solutions for global challenges. We are happy to sign today 2 contracts: Freepack Software and Veryant, and Damen Shipyards and Ocean Team Group Trieste and 1 MoU: Holland Marketing and Girolibero. This reminds me with pride on the very first Dutch 3

4 victory in the 100th edition of the 'Giro d'italia of Tom Dumoulin on May 28. He changed his orange shirt into the winner's pink shirt, the cycling history will link Holland and Italy forever. The focus on co-creation and finding together sustainable solutions is more than ever crucial to us all. As the world is currently subjected to change and uncertainties, it is extremely important to keep an eye on the long term. Think, for example, of the implications of the trade restrictions of the Trump administration and the consequences of the Brexit. Both our countries, being co-founders of the NATO and the EU, should aim to constitute a stable factor in the uncertain world we are living in today. More than ever, I see the importance of a strong and united Europe. As two prosperous countries, we are able to invest and accomplish more together. We should improve the competitiveness of Europe towards Asia and the United States. From this perspective, to my opinion, we have made a good statement to bring female CEO s together yesterday during the Female Leaders Round Table Meeting that we have organized together with Confindustria in Rome yesterday. 4

5 As president of Topwomen.nl, I consider it import to stimulate women s participation in the labour market, and, especially, to bring gender diversity in board rooms to a minimum of 30 percent. Italy has succeeded to raise the participation of women in non-executive boards of listed companies from 6 percent in 2011 up to 32 percent last year due to Quota Rosa! In my country we are still much behind with only 11 percent in executive boards of listed companies. We can t change of what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we can t help but change. This was the conclusion of the Round Table, coming from Herna Verhagen, CEO of Post NL. For me this economic mission is also symbolic for the way how we hope to further intensify the Italian and Dutch relationship: a focus on co-creation, working on sustainable, innovative and social relevant solutions for challenges we both cope with. But of course as entrepreneurs in the end we are only satisfied when we have impact and see concrete results. 5

6 Now it is time to raise your glass and I would like to toast to cocreation and to the big success of this economic mission to Italy. Salute! 6