Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
I edition July 2025
Rooted in Italy,
Connected to the World
​The World Comes to Cosenza:
The 34th World Convention of Italian Chambers Abroad
Strengthening International to Support Italian SMEs
ItalCham was pleased to take part in the 34th World Convention of the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad, held in Cosenza from 21 to 23 June. Organised by Assocamerestero and hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Cosenza, with the support of Unioncamere, Promos Italia and the Italian Trade Agency, the event brought together representatives from 86 Chambers in 63 countries to reaffirm a shared commitment: promoting the internationalisation of Italian SMEs and strengthening the global presence of Made in Italy.
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Over three days, the Convention became a dynamic hub of strategic exchange, international networking, and B2B engagement. With more than 600 business meetings on the agenda, Calabrian companies had the opportunity to connect directly with international Chamber representatives, building bridges between Cosenza and global markets.
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One of the highlights of the Convention was the renewed cooperation agreement between Assocamerestero and ITA – Italian Trade Agency, aimed at enhancing institutional synergy to offer more coordinated, effective support to Italian companies abroad. This partnership marks a step forward in providing SMEs with the tools they need to thrive in competitive global environments.
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Among the key institutional moments, the plenary meeting of Presidents and Secretaries General of the Italian Chambers Abroad focused on the ongoing self-reform process of the chamber network. This reform initiative, launched in response to internal needs and expectations from institutional and business stakeholders, aims to modernize the system, strengthen its impact, and better align its mission with the evolving international landscape.
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The Convention also featured regional area meetings — including Europe, LATAM, NAFTA, and Asia – South Africa – Oceania — where ItalCham joined fellow Chambers in its group to share regional perspectives, align priorities, and define common strategies for growth and collaboration.
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Beyond the official sessions, the institutional dinners offered valuable opportunities to deepen connections in a more informal and culturally rich setting. These gatherings, set against the backdrop of Cosenza’s historical and gastronomic beauty, were much more than ceremonial moments: they served as catalysts for new partnerships and a celebration of the values and human capital that drive the Italian chamber network worldwide.
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Equally important were the moments of dialogue with local institutions and associations, including Confindustria, Confcommercio, Coldiretti, and others, highlighting how internationalisation must also be rooted in strong regional partnerships. The Convention positioned Calabria not only as a region of cultural and gastronomic wealth, but as a growing hub of entrepreneurial talent and international opportunity.
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ItalCham thanks Assocamerestero and the Chamber of Commerce of Cosenza for organising a truly meaningful gathering. As ever, we remain committed to strengthening Italy–South Africa business ties and contributing to the global success of Made in Italy.
​From Veneto to the World: Supporting Italy’s Artisan Excellence
ItalCham is proud to announce a new collaboration with Confartigianato Vicenza, becoming one of its official international desks to support the internationalisation of artisan and small businesses in the region. This partnership marks a key step in strengthening ties between Italy’s local excellence and the South African market.
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On 25–26 June, ItalCham had the pleasure of joining an inspiring programme of B2B meetings with top-tier artisan companies from Vicenza and Treviso, promoted by Confartigianato Vicenza as part of their 80th anniversary celebrations. We were proud to stand alongside the Italian Chambers from Guatemala, Colombia and Vancouver to explore business opportunities with some of Veneto’s finest SMEs.
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Italy’s economic fabric is built on SMEs and artisans, the very heart of the Made in Italy brand. These companies, often family-owned, carry forward centuries of know-how, craftsmanship, and passion that continue to be admired worldwide.
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The two-day programme offered an excellent platform to connect local excellence with global markets:
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🔹 June 25 – Vicenza: A day of dynamic B2B meetings with artisan companies across diverse sectors. The evening culminated in a magical candlelight piano concert in the stunning Piazza dei Signori — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — with over 2,000 guests gathered to celebrate 80 years of Confartigianato Vicenza.
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🔹 June 26 – Montebelluna (Treviso): One of Italy’s most iconic footwear districts and a global reference point for high-performance and sports footwear. The B2B meetings took place in the evocative setting of the Fondazione Sportsystem, home to the Museum of the Sports Shoe and Footwear Industry, which showcases the area's rich heritage and global influence in technical and outdoor footwear.
Thanks to Confartigianato Imprese Marca Trevigiana, Fondazione Sportsystem, and EBAV – Ente Bilaterale Artigianato Veneto, ItalCham engaged with innovative small businesses rooted in a tradition of quality, design, and technical expertise.
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Initiatives like these are essential for helping Italian SMEs grow globally, providing concrete support and international exposure that reinforce the value of Italy’s artisan heritage.
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Grazie to all partners for making this possible, and buon compleanno Confartigianato Vicenza!
Navigating the New Landscape
of the Land Expropriation
ItalCham is pleased to invite its members to a high-level discussion hosted in collaboration with ENS, the British Chamber of Business, and leading European Chambers of Commerce.
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​Date: 22 July 2025
Time: 16:30 for 17:00 – 18:30
Venue: ENS, Tower 1, The MARC, 129 Rivonia Road, Sandton
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Led by Yana van Leeve, Director of Public Law at ENS, this session will unpack the Expropriation Act — gazetted in January 2025 — and explore its legal, economic, and practical implications for foreign investment and property rights in South Africa.
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Designed for business leaders, legal practitioners, and investors, the session will provide a clear, actionable understanding of the Act and offer strategic insights on how to navigate the evolving regulatory environment.
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Drinks and light snacks will be served.
RSVP by 15 July 2025 to: enquiries@italcham.co.za
We encourage our members to attend this important event and stay ahead of legislative developments shaping the business landscape.
Italy in Town 2025
Save the Date!
22-23 November
22–23 November | Cape Quarter, Cape Town
Italy in Town is back! After a spectacular debut in 2024 with over 5,000 visitors, the festival returns for its second edition — bigger, bolder, and even more Italian. Join us for two unforgettable days of authentic food, music, and culture.
👉 Don’t miss Cape Town’s most loved Italian celebration!
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Tickets launching soon — stay tuned!
If you would like to participate as a vendor or sponsor contact us on:
Event Recap:Italian Rugby Day Unites Passion for Sport, Culture and Cuisine in Johannesburg
Sandton Sun Hotel | 2 July 2025
The Italian Rugby Day, held on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, at the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg, proved to be an unforgettable evening celebrating the unifying spirit of sport, innovation, and Italian excellence.
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Hosted in the lead-up to the highly anticipated test matches between the Italian and South African national rugby teams on 5 and 12 July, the evening brought together dignitaries, athletes, culinary experts, and industry leaders in a vibrant showcase of Italian culture and passion.
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The event was organised by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR), in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Italy in Johannesburg, with the goal of promoting the excellence of Italian heritage—on and off the field.
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Broadcaster Neil Andrews served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding guests through a dynamic programme that welcomed distinguished guests from both Italy and South Africa. Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Alberto Vecchi, Ambassador of Italy to South Africa; Minister Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture; Giovanni Luca Atena, Director of ITA Johannesburg; and Carlo Checchinato, Commercial Director of the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR).
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The programme moved into a dynamic discussion around Made in Italy excellence, exploring the intersection of sports innovation, nutrition, and culinary tradition. Gianluca Pavanello, CEO of Macron, spoke on the evolution of Italian sportswear and design. This was followed by an engaging panel talk featuring legendary former Springbok and Italian rugby player Naas Botha, Italian National Team Head Coach Gonzalo Quesada, and rugby player Ross Vincent. They were joined by two passionate culinary ambassadors: Chef Lorenzo Mottalini from The Italian Job, with over three decades of experience in South African hospitality, and Caterina Bollini, the heart behind Il Tortellino d’Oro, a Johannesburg institution of Emilian cuisine and tradition.
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The evening also offered an immersive tasting journey of authentic Italian food and products, honouring Italy’s rich gastronomic heritage. This event was not just about sport and flavour. It was also proudly hosted in support of the recognition of Italian cuisine as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — a candidacy officially submitted by the Italian government and currently under evaluation by UNESCO, with a decision expected in December 2025. Guests were invited to take part in this broader cultural journey, tasting authentic dishes prepared with the same heart and history that Italy now seeks to honour on the global stage.
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As the evening unfolded, guests enjoyed Italian wine, Peroni beer, Illy coffee, and a walk-through of Italian excellence in wellness and design, with showcases by Technogym and Macron South Africa. The event concluded with a signing and photo opportunity with the Italian Men’s National Rugby Team, offering a relaxed and memorable moment for fans and friends of the game.
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The Italian Rugby Day was made possible with the contribution of:
The Italian Job Emporium, Vinotria Wines, Technogym, Macron South Africa, Illy Coffee, Peroni, and Clearworld — all proud ambassadors of Made in Italy values.
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Guests departed with official FIR gift bags, complete with the Italian National Rugby Team scarf, but the true takeaway was something deeper: a reminder that behind every jersey, recipe, and handshake lies a culture of excellence, generosity, and shared pride.
Event Recap:
Which Way South Africa –
Poverty or Prosperity?
In partnership with the Free Market Foundation, ItalCham and the Portuguese, Belgian, and Irish Chambers of Commerce, co-hosted a thought-provoking morning discussion at the Cape Town Club on 20 June 2025.
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The keynote address by David Ansara, CEO of the Free Market Foundation, offered powerful insights into the policy choices that could unlock South Africa’s growth and investment potential.
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Attended by a diverse group of business leaders and chamber members, the session explored:
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South Africa’s rapidly evolving political landscape and its risks and opportunities
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The shifting role of international dynamics in shaping domestic economic prospects
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The essential link between economic freedom and national prosperity
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The importance of protecting private property rights, promoting free trade, and ensuring sound monetary principles
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How both businesses and individuals can “state-proof” themselves amid uncertainty
Events like these reinforce ItalCham’s commitment to fostering open dialogue, economic literacy, and strategic foresight within our business community. A special thank you to the Consul of Italy in Cape Town, Giulio Mignacca, the Consul General of Portugal, Jorge Teixeira de Sampsyo and the Consul of Belgium, Vanya Kips in joining this event.
We thank all attendees and partners for their engagement and look forward to continuing the conversation on South Africa’s path forward.
ECOMONDO 2025
Hosted Buyers Programme
Join the Italian-South African Chamber’s hosted delegation to ECOMONDO 2025, Europe’s benchmark event for the green, blue and circular economy, organized by IEG – Italian Exhibition Group. Following the success of our 2023 and 2024 missions, we are now recruiting 8 South African companies to visit this premier international exhibition.
Here's what ECOMONDO 2024 looked like:
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*1,620 exhibitors
*International operators from more than 120 countries
*650 hosted buyers from 65 countries
*Over 200 conferences and workshops
​Why Join?
ECOMONDO 2025 will showcase a renewed and expanded format with 7 thematic areas and 6 exhibition districts, covering the full spectrum of environmental technologies and green innovation:
Circular and Regenerative Bio-Economy
Environmental Monitoring & Earth Observation
SAL.VE - Cleaning and Waste Disposal Vehicles Expo
ECOMONDO is the leading platform to meet key players in the green and circular economy and discover the latest sustainable technologies and solutions. The 2025 edition will focus on today’s most urgent environmental challenges, bringing together innovation, business opportunities, and expert insights through a rich exhibition and a high-level conference programme.
Buyers Programme - What’s Included:
Selected companies will receive the following benefits:
• 3-night hotel accommodation (B&B treatment, 4-start hotel) for 1 buyer per company
• Cash reimbursement of maximum € 300,00 as partial coverage of the flight ticket for 1 buyer per company
• Transfers Bologna Airport – Hotel / Hotel – Bologna Airport
• Daily transfer from the hotel to the expo venue, and back
• Free entrance ticket
• Lunch at the exhibition centre
Buyers will have to undertake:
• To schedule at least 10 B2B meetings with Ecomondo exhibitors using the online “My Agenda by IEG” platform. These 30-minute meetings will take place on November 6. If the quota is not met in advance, additional appointments must be arranged directly at the expo;
• To submit the appointment diary, duly completed and signed by all exhibitors met;
• To complete an online satisfaction survey at the end of the meetings;
• To return to the exhibition on November 7 to explore additional companies of interest.
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Apply by 31 August 2025
Limited spots available – applications will close as soon as the delegation reaches full capacity.
Eligibility Criteria
- The company representative who will attend Ecomondo must be a decision maker.
- All companies with a turnover of at least ZAR 20.000.000 or with concrete projects in progress or in the start-up phase can apply. The project must be well explained in the dedicated section of the application form.
For more information:
📧 italy@italcham.co.za
📞 Cell: +27 66 598 9396 | WhatsApp: +39 345 421 4440
Annual Directory 2025/2026 - Advertising Rates
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Alla prossima!