PTI New Delhi

Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida has called for the consolidation of reciprocal trade relations with India, highlighting the very strong relationship between the two governments. His remarks came against the backdrop of the two-day 'Vinitaly' trade promotion fair India Roadshow that began on Saturday. 

Talking about 'Vinitaly', the Italian Agriculture Minister said it is a platform where "the best Italian wine companies and others represent themselves, meet, discuss" and it allows "deepening of the topics related to the development of this industry from every point of view". In a video message, the Italian Minister of Agriculture pointed out the "very strong relationship between the two governments" and said, "It must be consolidated through mutual export". 

He further said, "We want to renew not only the friendship but also consolidation of reciprocal trade relations". In his address at the gala dinner ahead of 'Vinitaly', Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli spoke about the vibrant trade of black pepper and wine between the Roman empire and India along the Golden Road.

"So, we are not reinventing something ... We are trying to revamp this. This link, there is steady growth in the market. I think it is on average 6 per cent every year since 2017, we already account for 17 per of the market, as in many other sectors. We have to do better. We can do better".

Describing it as "a win-win situation", he said creating a culture of wine means that you also favour the growth of a sector that now is punching below its weight. Prominent Italian winemakers are participating in the Roadshow, including group attendance by Piemonte Land of Wine, Italia del Vino Consorzio, Angelini Wines & Estates and Uvaitaly.