COMMENTS BY PRESS SECRETARY TO SENIOR MINISTER - CALL ON SENIOR MINISTER GOH CHOK TONG BY ITALY'S DEPUTY MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADOLFO URSO

Italy's Deputy Minister for Economic Development Adolfo Urso called on SM Goh Chok Tong at the Istana this afternoon. Deputy Minister Urso is leading a delegation of 80 Italian companies to Singapore from 14-16 June 2009. Last year, Italy was Singapore's 5th largest trading partner in Europe, with total bilateral trade valued at S$5.8 billion.

SM and Deputy Minister Urso had wide-ranging discussions on the state of bilateral economic relations and the potential for closer collaboration. Deputy Minister Urso expressed confidence in Asia's potential and said that Italy hoped to partner Singapore to explore opportunities in the region. SM briefed Deputy Minister Urso on recent economic developments in Asia and said that Singapore could be a platform for Italian companies to venture into the region. 



PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
SINGAPORE

15 June 2009