Premium

Looking at turning ‘contacts into contracts’, says ambassador Antonio Bartoli in Ahmedabad

The Italian Ambassador said with Ahmedabad as one of the candidates to host the Olympic games in 2036, Italy is also looking at collaborations with some companies in the sports industry, especially from textiles.

Antonio Bartoli with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel in Ahmedabad (X@Bhupendrapbjp)

Keen to develop an inter-university collaboration with an ‘Italy-India Innovation Platform’, especially in the textile industry, Ambassador of Italy Antonio Bartoli said Italy is looking at turning ‘contacts into contracts’ when it comes to relations with India.

During his visit to Ahmedabad University Thursday, accompanied by his delegation, Antonio Bartoli said, “The bilateral relations, 360 degrees, all encompassing of space, ability, from connectivity to energy, trade, investments, and people to people contacts, university co-operation, and we are focussing on some sectors where we see potential for co-operation. We also want to transform contacts into contracts. This is the first initiative. We are also very keen on inter university co-operation.”

The Italian Ambassador echoed similar interests during his meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel as he highlighted bilateral relations between India and Italy have deepened significantly.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Italy, Bartoli said both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as defence, science and technology, space, clean energy, innovation, and mobility linkages. He also said India and Italy have formulated a 10-point Joint Strategic Action Plan to reinforce collaboration in these vital sectors.

The Italian Ambassador said with Ahmedabad as one of the candidates to host the Olympic games in 2036, Italy is also looking at collaborations with some companies in the sports industry, especially from textiles.

“With Ahmedabad accounting for 60 per cent denim production and over 30 per cent of fabric production, it is one of the most dynamic states in India. You grew by 10 per cent over the three years over the last decade. So we really are committed, and all the centres we are committed to fashion collaborations. I would say this is a platform for collaboration,” he said at Ahmedabad University.

Ahmedabad University last month signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Università degli Studi di Bergamo (University of Bergamo).

Story continues below this ad

“Our partnership with the University of Bergamo reflects our commitment to advancing research-driven global collaborations. The collaboration is around advanced manufacturing and small and medium enterprises. And one of the things we are looking to do is to put an SME corridor, Ahmedabad-Belgamore SME corridor, that brings SMEs from both these two cities together through the institutions,” Prof Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor of Ahmedabad University, told The Indian Express.

Opportunities for mutual partnership in various sectors in Gujarat were explored during discussions with CM Patel, keeping in view Italy is the second industrial powerhouse in Europe, possessing expertise in the manufacturing sector.

The meeting included an exchange of views on promising opportunities for partnership between Italy and Gujarat in areas such as manufacturing, sports industries, food processing, waste to energy, space, science and technology, innovation, connectivity, smart mobility, as well as cultural exchange and education.

Ritu Sharma

Ritu Sharma is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express' Gujarat bureau, an editorial position that reflects her experience and Authority in regional journalism. With over a decade of concentrated reporting experience, she is a highly Trustworthy and specialized journalist, especially noted for her Expertise in the education sector across Gujarat and previously Chandigarh. Expertise Primary Authority (Education): With over ten years of dedicated reporting on education in both Gujarat and Chandigarh, Ritu Sharma is a foremost authority on educational policy, institutional governance, and ground realities from "KG to PG." Her coverage includes: Higher Education: In-depth scrutiny of top institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad (controversies over demolition/restoration of heritage architecture), IIT-Bombay (caste discrimination issues), and new initiatives like international branch campuses in GIFT City. Schooling & Policy: Detailed coverage of government schemes (Gyan Sadhana School Voucher Scheme), the implementation and impact of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teacher recruitment issues, and the impact of national policies like the NEP. Student Welfare: Reporting on critical issues such as suicide allegations due to caste discrimination, and the challenges faced by students (e.g., non-delivery of NAMO tablets). ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram