No. 20 NOVEMBER 2002

Italy’s Minister of Communications President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi Denounces Anti- Maurizio Gasparri is Keynote Speaker Semitism as "Insidious Evil"

n a message to at “Telecom Israel 2002” I the conference on “Europe without Anti-Semitism” recently held in , inister Gasparri will Telecom Italia then formed President Carlo M lead a delegation of the “Med 1” corporation, Azeglio Ciampi Italian entrepreneurs to with Israeli partners, which denounced anti- underline the country’s has been active in the laying Semitism and discrimination as President Carlo interest in promoting and management of the first “insidious evils.” Azeglio Ciampi partnerships with Israeli undersea fibre optic link While working to enhance the authority, the enterprises in the between Mazara del Vallo effectiveness and the transparency of the European strategically vital () and Tel Aviv. The Union, President Ciampi said that respect for telecommunication sector. cable, operative since March human dignity and rights, the core of European 1999 with a transmission identity, must not be overlooked. Referring to the proposed “Charter of Fundamental Rights” of the “Telecom Israel 2002” will capacity of 5 gigabytes per European Union, which has yet to be adopted as present the latest in second, is in fact the part of the European Constitution, President Ciampi technological innovations from principal declared that “anti-Semitism and discrimination the Telecommunications telecommunications artery are insidious evils which should be fought with Industry worldwide. The between Israel and Europe. determination, with mature conscience, and with the conviction that dialogue, solidarity and presence of Minister Gasparri Minister of Communications Maurizio Gasparri Telecom Italia subsequently reciprocal respect are essential for the future of in Tel Aviv is intended to formed two more European civilization.” <> emphasize the considerable interest shown by companies, Med-Nautilus Holdings and Med- Italian companies for developments in Israel’s Nautilus Ltd., to construct a state-of-the-art ring telecommunications sector. system. The idea is to provide a sufficiently Opening remarks by Minister Gasparri at the powerful communications infrastructure to conference on November 5th will outline the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region situation of the Italian Telecommunications for the development of new forms of high-speed industry and the opportunities it offers for connectivity between Europe and North America. scientific and industrial collaboration with Israeli The work has been split into 3 sections which Edited by: enterprises. will eventually provide for 7000 km of cable: The Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv the Catania - Haifa link (through Crete); the The two countries have in fact already brokered ’s Minister of Communications Maurizio Gasparri pg1 a solid partnership in the telecommunications Catania - Tel Aviv link, with a possible extension Environmental Forum pg1-2 sector, beginning in 1998 when Telecom Italia to Alexandria in Egypt; and the extension of the President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi pg1 acquired a significant share of “Golden Lines”. network from Crete to Athens and Istanbul.<> Endorsement of Agreement on industrial, scientific and technology cooperation pg2 Italian Physicist Riccardo Giacconi wins Nobel Prize pg2 Italy First In Europe For Organic Farming pg3 Italy Leads Europe For Revenue From Privatization pg3 In The Middle - East pg4 Italy sponsors technology transfer to developing countries pg4 Foreign Minister Shimon Peres to Italian-Israeli Environmental A Great Opportunity: Biotechnology In Italy pg5 EU funds help fight floods in Venice pg5 Forum: “... thank you Italy, for your commitment” Curing Tough-to-Treat Infections pg5 Italian Exchange selects Israeli portal technology pg5 talian and Israeli academics, scientists, public Venice Issues Tender for a Logo pg6 Italian Artisans and Products Online pg6 I administrators and entrepreneurs gathered in Tel The “Gardener” comes home pg6 Aviv on 13-15 October to launch the agreement on Benigni Takes On 'Pinocchio' pg6 cooperation in environmental technologies between the Boosting Pilgrim Tourism to Israel: Mayor of Verona Visits Ra’anana pg7 Italian restaurants put to the test! pg7 two countries. The presence of over 200 delegates and Events In Italy pg7-8 journalists at the meeting, in which the Italian government proposed two channels of concrete material support for Embassy of Italy 4, Weizman Street-Tel Aviv this initiative, underlined the importance of the event for Tel: 03-6964223 Fax: 03-6918428 bilateral relations. (cont. p. 2) Ambassador Giulio Terzi (right) and Foreign www.italian-embassy-israel.org Minister Shimon Peres (left) E-mail:[email protected] (Economic & Commercial Section)

1 Endorsement of Agreement on Italian Physicist Riccardo industrial, scientific and Giacconi wins Nobel Prize technology cooperation rof. Riccardo Giacconi has won this year's P Nobel Prize in physics for his pioneering n Italian-Israeli work in astrophysics, together with two other A Joint Commission researchers, the American Raymond Davis and is to launch the the Japanese Masatoshi Koshiba. implementation of the The Nobel Committee announced that Prof. recently ratified Italian- Giacconi will receive the award for his work, Israeli Agreement on which has led to the discovery of cosmic X-ray Industrial, Scientific and sources, Born in Italy in 1931, Riccardo Giacconi Technological earned his Ph.D. in cosmic ray physics at the Cooperation. The first University of . In 1959 he joined American meeting of the Science and Engineering, a Massachusetts research Commission, to define the firm, where he began working on X-ray astronomy. His team developed applicable procedures for Ambassador Antonio Badini, Director General for the grazing incidence X-ray telescopes and launched them on rockets. In the funding of projects as Countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, Ministry 1962 they discovered Sco X-1, the first known x-ray source outside the determined by the of Foreign Affairs, Rome solar system. Joining the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics agreement, will be held in Jerusalem on November 12, 2002. In charge of the Italian in 1973, Giacconi led the construction and successful operation of the delegation will be Ambassador Antonio Badini, Director of the Mediterranean and powerful X-ray observatory, HEAO-2, also known as Einstein, which Middle East Division at the Foreign Ministry, while the Israeli side will be advised made detailed images of X-ray sources. Giacconi was the first director by Dr. Eli Opper, Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Grant of the Space Telescope Science Institute from 1981 to 1993, and he support in sums of up to fifty percent of eligible R&D costs will be provided for directed the European Southern Observatory for the next six years. In joint research and development projects. The primary goal of the new Agreement 1999 he became president of Associated Universities, Inc., the operator is to foster bilateral initiatives in innovative and marketable systems, products, of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. <> applications and processes. <> Foreign Minister Shimon Peres: “...thank you Italy, for your commitment” (cont. from p. 1) The Forum was promoted by the Israeli Agreement on Industrial, Scientific and Partners for the Environment" project; by Prof. Italian Foreign Ministry in Technological cooperation, entered into force last Maurizio Martellini of the Landau Network-Centro collaboration with the University of Tel Aviv’s June; and thirdly because it represents a model Volta; and by Dr. Ronnie Benatoff, President of the Porter School of Environmental Studies, the Italian which shows how closely interconnected science Italy-Israel Chamber of Commerce. The Trade Commission (ICE), the Italy-Israel Chamber and industrial cooperation should be.” presentation by Dr. Aldo Iacomelli of Italy’s of Commerce, the Israel Export Institute, and In addition, the Ambassador underlined that the Ministry of the Environment aroused particular . Forum was “a way to invest in the future; a way to interest by the announcement of a fund of 1.5 Opening the precedings were presentations by deal - from a scientific and industrial perspective million for research in environmental studies. This Italy’s Ambassador to Israel, Giulio initiative is in addition to the measures Terzi, by the President of Tel Aviv taken within the framework of the University and former Israeli agreement on bilateral industrial, Ambassador in Washington, Itamar scientific and technology cooperation Rabinovitch, and by the Dean of the already in force. Porter School, Prof. Zev Levin. Lady The Forum was an opportunity for Shirley Porter, founder of the Italian and Israeli companies of prestigious “Porter School of international standing to exchange Environmental Studies”, presided over know-how, share experiences and the introductions. discuss programs of cooperation. One- Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, in a to-one meetings afforded businesses the powerfully worded speech, expressed opportunity to discuss concrete and his deep friendship and appreciation for tangible steps to enable a rapid start on Italy, its capacity for economic collaborative projects. The Forum also development, and for its outstanding reinforced the dynamic economic and level of proficiency in the adoption of scientific relationship that has been technology. He paid tribute to the efforts evolving between Israel and Italy. It is of the Italian government for its political worth while recalling that Italy exported initiatives, as well as for the $757 million worth of goods to Israel establishment of projects such as the in the first semester of 2002, with over Environmental Technology Forum, thirty percent in medium and high which contribute to the development Ambassador Giulio Terzi, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, Prof. Zev Levin and technology. A number of Italian and well-being of all peoples in the Dr. Aldo Iacomelli at the Italian-Israeli Environmental Forum companies are currently involved in region. The Middle East, he observed, joint ventures in Israel, several within must quickly establish programs able to stimulate - with questions which are essential to the quality the context of the 5th European RTD Framework the region’s economy, a precondition for the of life, to the basic needs of the people, and also, Program. Between 1999 and 2001, the European attainment of peace. in a wider concept of security and stability, as a Commission financed 41 joint projects, coordinated In his opening remarks, Italy’s Ambassador in Israel contribution to peace building.” by an Italian or an Israeli "Prime Contractor" - with Giulio Terzi recalled why this Forum is particularly Apart from the presentations by Minister Peres and joint participation of Israeli and Italian institutions meaningful for scientific and industrial cooperation Ambassador Terzi, other significant contributions - for a total amount of 71 million . between Italy and Israel. “First, because it addresses were made by Prof. Franco Prodi, Director of A steering committee comprising Italian and Israeli key issues in the environmental challenges facing Climate and Atmospheric Science at Italy’s National academics and entrepreneurs was established to the Mediterranean region today; secondly, because Research Center (CNR); by Dr. Joyce Starr, give concrete support to the decisions of the it is the first step in the implementation of the Italian- Program Director of the Porter School’s "Corporate Forum.<>

2 ITALY FIRST IN EUROPE FOR ORGANIC FARMING Over two thirds of the EU's organic farms are located in Italy

taly is the leading European country growing trend,” said Pier Luigi Stopelli of Italy’s I for organic farming. Representing large Esselunga supermarket chain, “because even though organic products are slightly more expensive 7% of total agricultural production, organic and don’t look so good, people like them more farming in Italy is more than double the and more.” It is therefore no surprise that the big European average (3%), according to the national companies and the Italian subsidiaries proceedings of a recently held conference of multinational corporations have shown great in Florence (Bio Realta’e Bio Mercato). interest in organic agriculture and food trade, launching new lines of Organized in collaboration with the Italian organic products or taking Rotary Club and the University of Florence, over businesses operating the conference examined the growth and in this sector. Many fairs economic impact of Italy’s bio-agricultural and markets are now devoted to organic sector. agriculture, the largest being SANA in Bologna. A Growing Market Government interest Agricultural cultivation in Italy without the use Growth of Italian organic enterprises, 1993-2000 In a message to the Florence conference, Italy’s of chemicals and using only organic fertilizers, Organic Land Cultivation Agriculture Minister Giovanni Alemanno expressed which began in the 1960s as an isolated phenomenon, the Government’s intention to double the production has spread to become a major factor in Italian Today there are over 60,000 bio-enterprises in Italy, with organic farms occupying over 1,2 and consumption of organic farming by 2005, but agriculture. Today there are nine regulatory bodies experts are warning that Italy faces some serious behind organic farming, which includes fruits and million hectares of land. The area constitutes around 8% of available agricultural land, and the challenges if it is to maintain its dominant vegetables, olives and olive oil, grapes and wine, in the industry. One of the major obstacles is grains and animal fodder. farms approximately 3% of all farms. Efforts are underway to increase the proportion of land devoted consumer confusion and lack of information. In to organic farming. Italy also has over 1,500 a recent survey 54 percent of Italian consumers organic farms with processing plants, around 3900 were found to have a very low level of awareness, processing and trade companies, and approximately and confused organic products with “natural”, 122 importers of biologically cultivated products. “low-input“, “whole meal“ and even “macrobiotic“ More than 25% of the products. Considerable resources need to be EU's organic land and allocated to research, development and training more than two thirds in new methods and technologies if organic farming of the region’s organic is to prosper, they cautioned. farms are located in Italy. Bio network Significantly, the six southern regions lead the Research on nation in organic farming, accounting for about Organic goes organic farming 75 percent of Italy's organic produce. The warm, takes place at the sunny southern climates are obviously well suited mainstream universities of to natural produce. Over the last decade Florence, Siena, Pisa, Ancona and Perugia. and after a slow start, Researchers involved in organic agriculture have the mass distribution established a network on the Green Planet website Economics of Organic Market of organic products in called "Gruppo di Ricerca in Agricoltura Biologica" The value of the Italian organic market is currently Italy has registered a within which their activities are coordinated: estimated to be around 1.5 bn. The growth trend markedly positive www.greenplanet.net/grab-it/home.html is very strong - in the last five years it has never trend. In 1995 only Italian Ministry of Agriculture: fallen below 20%. Food scare about mad cow 10% of organic www.politicheagricole.it/produzione/agribio/ disease led to an acceleration of growth: in the products were available home.asp first three months of 2001 the biggest wholesalers from supermarkets SANA: www.sana.it reported increases in sales volumes of between whereas today it is NaturaSì is one of Italy’s Organic Europe: www.organic-europe.net/<> 40-65% compared to previous years. around 97% .”It’s a largest organic retailers ITALY LEADS EUROPE FOR REVENUE FROM PRIVATIZATION

taly tops the rest of Europe for the Italy was in fourth place for the number of have been 4,537 privatization operations in 121 I amount of revenue generated through privatization operations it has carried out, 179 countries for a total of 1.215 trillion dollars. the privatization of public assets and interests, (behind Britain's 261, 200 for Germany and Overall privatization operations, however, have some 135.43 billion dollars, according to France’s 180). Germany was second for revenue declined by an average of 28% per year over data published in September from Treasury from privatization with 105.551 billion dollars the past three years. <> Director General . (based on data since 1977). Worldwide, there

3 ITALIAN ARMED FORCES IN THE MIDDLE - EAST

he Italian Armed Jordan sector T Forces assure a and Israel- significant presence Lebanon of soldiers and sector. armaments among the Between International Forces March 2000 involved in United and March Nations and 2002 the Multinational Forces prestigious Missions in the Middle position in East. command of In particular Italian UNTSO was forces are present in the taken by the following missions: Italian Army Major General UNIFIL (United Nations Franco Interim Force in Ganguzza. Lebanon); UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation); MFO MFO (Multinational Force and Observers); UNTSO The Italian contribution to the TIPH (Temporary International Presence The United Nations Truce Multinational Force and in the City of Hebron). Supervision Organisation Observers (MFO) is very A more specific look regarding the Italian (UNTSO) consists of:152 significant and special; three contingents reveals the following: Military Observers, 98 Patrol Units of the Italian International Staff and 120 Navy with a total of 80 people UNIFIL Local Staff from 22 nations. on board are stationed in Sharm-el-Sheikh. The Italian Contingent in UNIFIL represents The Italian Army has sent six observers a very qualified component to the mission. The activity of the Observers TIPH of the forces. It is composed is shared between four sectors: Israel- The Temporary International by personnel coming from Egypt sector, Israel-Syria sector, Israel- Presence in the City of Hebron Army, Navy, Air Forces (TIPH) comprises six nations and Carabinieri, in total (Norway, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, 61 persons. Among Switzerland, Turkey), with a six- these people 46 are part of the monthly renewable mandate to Helicopter Squadron, used for very monitor the general situation of important and sensitive flight missions the city. After several restructurings, along the Lebanese Southern Border, the total strength of the mission that takes orders directly from the is 85 Observers. The Italian Force Commander and represents contingent is composed of 19 a support unit. In particular the people from the Carabinieri, the Squadron is composed of 43 Officers, Army and the Red Cross. Among NCOs (pilots and support personnel), them in particular are a Carabinieri Soldiers and Carabinieri. It has 6 Colonel, a Deputy Chief of Bell, 205 Helicopters and 12 wheeled Mission, and two sisters from the vehicles of different types. Italian Red Cross.<> Italy sponsors technology transfer to developing countries taly's innovation and we want to move from a phase of technologies can be used to improve administration I technology Minister, assistance to creating development in in developing countries. At the meeting, Italy , is spearheading these countries, we must first help them launched pilot programs in five countries. Italy's Internet program for create good governance." For Albania, the plan is to computerize demographic The idea is that, by making their public surveys; for Jordan it is e-procurement - a system developing countries - as part administration more transparent and which allows for online trading, auctions, payment of the Group of Eight's efforts accountable, developing countries would and settlement of bills; for Tunisia it is the creation to reduce the so-called digital also become more attractive potential of electronic databases to facilitate tax collection; divide. The first project - recipients of traditional forms of aid, for Nigeria and Mozambique, it is creating an creating an electronic database such as loans and investments. electronic database for real estate. for real estate in Mozambique The United Nations has repeatedly So far around 12m. have been allocated to finance - will be implemented in the warned that the world's poor may be the initial phase of these projects, a fraction of fall. Innovation & Technology Minister further marginalized if they do not gain what it will cost to get these ideas working. Italy "Of course we must solve the Lucio Stanca access to information technology. In is financing most of it, with the World Bank and problem of world hunger, disease, April, a conference in Sicily, sponsored possibly some private telecommunications companies education "Minister Stanca said recently. "But if by the United Nations and Italy, looked at how also contributing. <>

4 A GREAT OPPORTUNITY: BIOTECHNOLOGY IN ITALY Italy offers advantages to entrepreneurs wishing to invest in the development of biotechnology ctivities development among their strategic priorities, and towards animal breeding and innovation in the dairy A in the indeed those “regional orientations” have already industry), is the first Italian biotechnology cluster. biotech sector, played a primary role in determining the distribution Other cores of biotech activity are represented by particularly at of the existing Italian biotech industry. Support from the Bioindustry Park in the Turin area, the (Area) R&D and pilot local political institutions has been in the creation Park of Trieste (which hosts inter alia the scale level, are and growth of initiatives like Science and Technology International Centre for Genetic Engineering and characterised Parks and/or the attraction of investments. These Biotechnology), the agro-food oriented Tecnopolis by a relatively parks, hosting the cores of the national biotech Park in Puglia region. The Parks all enjoy solid low capital industry, represent sound bases for biotech industry support from local political authorities, and play a intensity, which makes Italy’s industrial development. The fact that they are not derived from remarkable role in attracting and bringing together infrastructure - mostly small and medium-sized top-down “paper projects”, but rather as answers to those willing to turn biotechnology into a business enterprises (SMEs) - an attractive proposition bottom-up claims coming from the cultural and opportunity. for early stage projects. economic tissue of the concerned areas, gives them For further information: Italy’s main asset is its scientific strength in the Life a largely practical orientation. www.spr.it Sciences, which operate at the highest international www.tecnoparco.org levels and occupy a unique position in Europe. It is Regional Biotech Centers www.bioindustrypark.it supported and sustained by a territory particularly The region, which includes the San www.biotechwithitaly.com <> rich in biodiversity, which is the raw material of Raffaele biotechnology. The possibility for the industry to Biomedical Biotech companies in Italy Italian bioindustry: distribution protect, investigate and improve a wide range of Science Park, by activity genetic resources in a wide array of ecosystems is Biopolo, and 1998 2001 a condition that can seldom be found elsewhere in Parco No. of Companies 40 52 Activity Distribution the developed world Tecnologico Start-ups 5 15 Health-care 40% del Lodigiano 0 2 Agro-food 14% Biotech as a strategic priority (the latter with Stock Quoted Companies Today in Italy there are regions which have clearly a specific Employees 4000 4500 Fine Chemicals, Environment 16% identified biotechnology and its industrial orientation Revenues ( millions) 900 1100 Equipment, Engineering, Other 30%

EU funds help fight floods in Venice Curing Tough-to-Treat Infections Versicor Inc. and Biosearch Italia SpA Merge team of Italian and British scientists are working on a project addressing A problems with flooding in Venice due to both the city sinking and ersicor Inc. and merger, valued at over the sea level rising. Funded by the EU under the Fifth Framework programme, V Biosearch Italia $260 million, is the TIDE project will last three years and will primarily map tidal flows SpA have merged to expected to create an and marine life. This research will be carried out before a separate project, create a new international entitled Mose, begins the construction of a flood barrier designed to prevent international biopharmaceutical further flooding. The need to address the flooding in Venice was demonstrated biopharmaceutical company with company focused on the discovery, recently, when Piazza S. Marco, the lowest point in Venice and one of its scientific and professional staff in development, manufacture and most popular locations, flooded twice in one week. Global warming has California and Italy, as well as an Italian commercialization of antibiotic and led to a rise in sea levels which, coupled with the city's slow sinking, has manufacturing subsidiary. The combined antifungal agents for tough-to-treat led to an urgent need to deal with the situation. In addition, predictions company will have a significant presence infections. that sea levels could rise over 45 centimetres this century, mean that the in North America and Europe, the two Biosearch Italia SpA (www.biosearch.it) level of flooding will only get worse. “We are characterising the tidal largest pharmaceutical markets. The Versicor Inc. (www.versicor.com) <> dynamics of the system so that we can have accurate information on how the marshes are developing” said Professor David Paterson of the University of St Andrews, who is heading the team. “This will help us establish the nature of change in the Lagoon, and will help those working on the engineering Italian selects Israeli portal project.” <> technology

sraeli technology to know when information it I developer sends is received and accessed, BackWeb Technologies two critical components of the recently announced that Exchange’s communications Borsa Italiana, the Italian strategy. BIt Systems, the IT Stock Exchange, has company of Borsa Italiana, selected its Proactive selected Backweb’s technology. Portal technology. BIt Systems managing CEO BackWeb said Borsa Andrea Giochetta said, Italiana will use the "BackWeb's technology will technology to comply provide us with the tools with government necessary to guarantee that our guidelines of delivering critical information is being critical information about publicly delivered immediately to those who listed companies to press agencies as have to be informed.” soon as the content is available. The www.backweb.com Built on sinking islands in a lagoon, Venice is losing ground to damaging flooding system will allow the www.borsaitalia.it/eng/home/ <>

5 Venice Issues Tender for a Logo The “Gardener” comes di Venezia - the local authority of Venice - has called an international tender to create a home copyright protecting the most famous artistic Van Gogh’s town in the world. Venice will soon have its quality trademark. The project, to be completed by the “Gardener” is to end of this year, has been conceived by Venice become the local authorities, led by Mayor Paolo Costa. The permanent tender is aimed at creating a copyright expressing property of the the unique heritage of Venice and guaranteeing Italian the quality of products, services and events on government. which the trademark will be applied. Painted in 1889, Costa says that the best advertising and PR agencies the work was sold have been approached under dubious and a decision will be taken this December circumstances in in New York by a jury 1977, forcing the Symbols of Venice in search of a trademark consisting of designers Italian government Tom Dixon and to intervene by Philippe Starck; the architect Piero Lissoni and the rector blocking the sale. It was subsequently stolen, of the Faculty of Architecture at Venice University, Marino then recovered, and then subject to a prolonged Folin; Dejan Sudjic, editor of Domus magazine, and legal wrangling which culminated in the decision journalist Natalia Aspesi. Interested parties are asked to of the European Court of Human Rights in submit a logo together with a marketing and communication Strasbourg to award the painting to Italy.<> plan to position the trademark correctly on the global markets and a strategic plan to publicise and market it, and to organise its licensing activities. For further information and application form: Benigni Takes On www.comune.venezia.it/gare/bandi/2002/60_2002_en.asp<> 'Pinocchio' “Everybody is exploiting the image of Venice without the city getting any crumbs from the feast,” complains Venice Mayor Paolo Costa. In the US alone, he says, there are 141 brand names including the word “Venice”, not to mention the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas, which is a reduced scale version of the Canal Grande. He points to the success of the official logo of New York, the “I heart NY” invented in 1977 by Milton Glaser, which brings millions to the city coffers every year. In June Mayor Costa announced a competition to devise a copyrightable logo for Venice. Italian Artisans and Products Online information and tailored specifications. ArtisanExpo is organized by PROMOS, a special agency of the Milan Chamber of Commerce for the development of Italian movie star and director Roberto Benigni (photo) international activities. Its mission is to support the competitiveness of the Milanese recently presented his new movie "Pinocchio". Benigni, entrepreneurial economic system in the whose "Life is Beautiful" won three Oscars, has now global market, serving small and medium- put his puckish, high-energy stamp on a figure dear not sized businesses, through initiatives and only to : Pinocchio. At almost $45 million In an effort to promote handcrafted projects aimed at developing collaboration “Pinocchio” is the costliest Italian production ever, and products, the Milan Chamber of with international partners in both Italy was shot in virtual secrecy at the former chemical-plant- Commerce has created ArtisanExpo, and other countries. turned-studio near Terni that Benigni also used when a new online portal for their historically making "Life is Beautiful." renowned regional artisans. For more information: As he did in "Life is Beautiful " Benigni doubles as star Lombardy's wide-ranging craftsmen for Fabio Bentivegna, International Activities and director in "Pinocchio " and his wife Nicoletta furniture, clothing and accessories, can Division Braschi returns here as his foil, as the blue-haired fairy. be found on this site. Milan Chamber of Commerce, The sound track is by Nicola Piovani, whose music Shoppers can browse the 60-plus artisans' Tel:+39-02-85155264 snagged one of the 1999 Oscars for "Life is Beautiful". various sites and either purchase directly E-mail [email protected] The film premiered in Italy on October 12th and is or contact the craftsman for further www.artisanexpo.it/usa4.html <> expected to be released worldwide at the end of 2002.<>

6 Boosting Pilgrim Tourism to Israel: Mayor of Verona Visits Ra’anana delegation from Verona, alongside Ra’anana, Bielski A Ra’anana’s sister city in expressed the hope that the Mayor Italy, comprising the Mayor, of Verona will succeed in the Bishop of Verona and the developing a bridge of Bishop of Ravenna recently communication between Ra’anana visited Ra’anana, where they and Bethlehem, principally were received by the Mayor, between the youth of the three Mr. Ze’ev Bielski. The Italian cities. delegation, guests of Israel’s Mr. Zanotto, in his first visit Ministry of Tourism, visited overseas since his election as the country to examine the Mayor of Verona, stressed the prospects for increasing pilgrim importance he attaches to the tourism from Italy to Israel. sister city connections, in particular Mayor Bielski praised the decision to the interpersonal relations by the Mayor of Verona, Mr. Paolo between youth and residents. He Zanotto, to visit Israel at this explained that this was the reason difficult time. Referring to the why he decided to visit Israel and Italian delegation’s earlier visit to promote tourism between the The Mayor of Verona, Mr. Paolo Zanotto (right), presents a gift to the Mayor of Ra’anana, Mr. Ze’ev Bielski, to Bethlehem, Verona’s sister city two countries.<> during his recent visit to Israel.

Italian restaurants put to the test! Only the best will get the stamp of approval he Italian the use of Italian produce will which originated in Naples, has spread nationwide, T Government is be. many pasta dishes and sauces are still very specific launching a new Marzio Zacchi, head chef at to a particular area of Italy and would not be served initiative to put some the Al Foro restaurant, says up mix and match. authenticity back into the proliferation of Italian Antonio Carluccio, an Italian restaurateur in Italian restaurants which cookery is bringing down London, thinks the new scheme will help clear dot almost every corner standards. "The quality goes up the confusion caused when people are served of the globe. The down, they keep the Italian a dish under the same name, but of varying quality. scheme, to be name like trattoria, pizzeria, "Various ingredients which are typically Italian announced by the cannelloni, lasagna: it's not are made abroad but we would like to see exports Agriculture Ministry, will test the red, white and only that in Italy, there is a lot more in Italian of authentic Italian food," he said. "If mozzarella green credentials of trattorias, pizzerias and food," he said. comes from Holland, for example, it's not a good ristorantes around the world - many of which are A common complaint is that in restaurants abroad, thing for Italy." The Italian goverment has lately Italian in name alone. Though Italian owners and dishes from a variety of regions will all be served shown determination to safeguard products such chefs will not be among the criteria for approval, together, as generically Italian. Although pizza, as Parmesan and Parma ham. <> EVENTS IN ITALY Italian Trade Fair Calendar November-December 2002 MILAN MIFED www.fierarimini.it/fr_in VERONA GRANTOUR BOLOGNA EIMA Fax 0541/744111 MILAN lnternational summer dex_k.html BUS & BUS BUSINESS International trade show www.fierarimini.it/fr_in INTERNATIONAL cinema and television International bus of agriculture machinery dex_k.html CRAFT FAIR multimedia fair MILAN transportation exhibition and equipment 30 November - 08 03 - 07 November FRANCHISING & 13 - 16 November 16 - 20 November MILAN MODAPRIMA December Tel. 02/49971 PARTNERSHIP Tel. 045/8298111 Tel. 06/442981 International knitwear trade Tel. 02/31911911 Fax 02/49977274 International expo of Fax 045/8298288 Fax 06/4402722 show Fax 02/33608733 www.mifed.com business and service www.veronafiere.it E-mail: [email protected] 27 - 29 November systems Tel. 02/66103555 FLORENCE BTC BOLOGNA 08 - 11 November TURIN ARTISSIMA MILAN BIAS Fax 02/66101638 International travel market, LINEAPELLE Tel. 02/349841 International contemporary International exhibition of www.modaprima.it meetings, conventions and preselection Fax 02/33600493 art exhibition equipment instruments and incentives 05 - 07 November www.expocts.it/franchising 14 - 17 November microelectronics MILAN LIFT 03 - 05 December Tel. 02/8807711 Tel. 011/546284 19 - 23 November International exhibition of Tel. 055/210405 Fax 02/860032 GENOVA Fax 011/5623094 Tel. 02/ 55181842 elevators, components and Fax 055/287263 www.lineapelle-fair.it/ TECNHOTEL www.artissima.it Fax 02/55016755 accessories International exhibition of www.bias-net.com/ 27 - 30 November RIMINI RICICLA the hospitality industry ROME COMMUNITY Tel. 02/49971 Trade show of goods and 09 - 13 November LIFE WEEK RIMINI Fax 02/49977274 energy hauling and Tel. 010/53911 15 - 19 November INTERNATIONAL E-mail: [email protected] recycling Fax 010/5391270 Tel. 06/3230177 HOTEL EQUIPMENT 06 - 09 November www.tecnhotel- Fax 06/3211359 EXPO Tel. 0541/711711 online.it/defaultinglese.html 23 - 27 November Fax 0541/744111 Tel. 0541/711711

7 EVENTS IN ITALY

Cesaria Evora and Gypsy groups from Andalusia Smau Sicilia Siena Film Festival and Pakistan. This year’s festival welcomes director Technology Conference and Exhibition Bob Wilson, singer/poet Tom Waits, Musica XXI 22-30 November 2002, Siena and a group from Afghanistan, La Musica Ritrovata. November 14-17, 2002, Heracles by Euripides, an exhibition of sculpture Le Ciminiere,Catania, Sicily In addition to its top by Anish Kapoor and concerts by the National selection of the most recent Symphony Orchestra of Budapest are just three of international and national the other highlights. Smau Sicilia is a production of shorts shot technology Contact Information: rigorously on film, the RomaEuropa Festival Tickets exhibition 7th International Short complemented by Tel. +39 06 4742308 Film Festival of Siena, www.romaeuropa.net a rich conference from 22 to 30 November program. The event is a meeting place for industry 2002, will also present an professionals, but this is not the only target of the impressive innovation. event. In order to identify and encourage new This year the Festival HANDImatica 2002 markets, Smau Sicilia hosts a conference devoted intends to propose for the to Catania’s role as a gateway to the Mediterranean first time a selection 28-30 Novembre 2002, Bologna and as a backdrop to the promotion of new dedicated to international digital production. international business relations. Products and Conception, production and distribution have all HANDImatica is a bi-annual services on display range from IT to digital undergone tremendous changes with the advent 3-day conference and exhibition technologies, telecommunications and enterprise of digital technology, also causing a re-evaluation in Bologna that examines and business solutions, from services and solutions for of theories and production practices. The Festival highlights issues and universities and schools to technologies for enterprises. is therefore presenting in Competition digital works technologies related to Smau Sicilia is targeting industry professionals, which, in their experimentation in the medium, overcoming problems of the small and medium entrepreneurs, as well as Small offer new ideas and a basis of comparison for disabled. The event is aimed Office and Home Office users. exchange among participants of the event: whether at handicapped people from all walks of life, and they be directors, other creators, critics or viewers. at public and private organisations and associations For further information: The guest country this year is Greece and a selection involved in all aspects of rehabilitation. HANDImatica Exhibition space: [email protected] of shorts from this country’s most recent film will have an exhibition space, showrooms, seminars Conferences and Seminars: [email protected] production will be screened. and workshops which will demonstrate new ideas, Promotion: [email protected] The Festival has also launched a series of projects projects and prototypes for this important sector. www.smau.it that offer new perspectives for historical research Contact Information: Tel. 02 28313.461 Fax 02 28313.235 and analysis on the development of film language A.S.P.H.I. in Europe and beyond. This year a Retrospective via Arienti 6 40124 Bologna (BO) considers the influence of the figure of Charlie tel. 051/277811 - fax 051/224116 La Traviata at Teatro La Chaplin on the French Avant-Garde. www.handimatica.it/ As every year, special screenings will be organised Fenice for primary school children and students of art institutes. This is an ongoing commitment to December 2002, Venice tomorrow's public. Venus and Love During the Festival there will also be a Ends 3 November 2002, Florence Conference, “The advent of digital in audio-visual art” which will be held on The Venus and Love 28 and 29 November 2002 in the Sala Patrizi. Exhibition, at the Contact Information: Galleria Siena International Short Film Festival dell'Accademia, is the Tel. +39 0577 47 218 first to examine www.cortoitaliacinema.com Michelangelo's ideal E-mail: [email protected] of female beauty. At its centre is the Venus and Cupid painted by RomaEuropa Festival Pontormo following the full-scale drawing Ends 24 November 2002, Rome by Michelangelo.The exhibition opens with The RomaEuropa a few drawings by Festival is a huge Michelangelo on the Venice’s magnificent Teatro La Fenice, which cultural undertaking, theme of the Goddess burned to the ground on January 29th 1996, spanning dozens of theatre, of Love - four sketches of an ancient Venus, originally will reopen its doors to music lovers from all music and dance events part of the same sheet, are reunited and compared over the world. The official reconstruction throughout Rome. Since its with an ancient bronze statuette, and with a terracotta of the theatre began in June 1997 and will be inception in the 1980s this model from the Casa Buonarroti, presented as a finally completed on November 30th 2003. festival has grown steadily work by Michelangelo himself. The show also The theatre is welcoming visitors with New in fame, recognition and looks into other examples of the reclining female Year In Venice, a program of four special ability to attract top-range nude that Michelangelo developed in preceding performances of VERDI’S - LA TRAVIATA talent, and today it ranks as years - Leda, La Notte and Aurora. in December 2002 one of the top international Contact Information: Contact Information: events of its kind. Classical Firenze, Galleria dell'Accademia Bookings: Fax.+39 041 786580 offerings predominate, but Tel. +39 055 2388 609 Website: www.teatrolafenice.it RomaEuropa has also hosted E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] the likes of Manu Dibango, www.sbas.firenze.it/accademia <>

8