MUSCAT -- A one-week Italian food festival, Viva Italia, will be held at Al Fair outlets in Muscat from today to March 19. Organised by the Italian Trade Commission in Dubai and the Italian Embassy in Muscat, in co-ordination with Al Fair -- Spinneys, the promotion will be officially opened at Al Fair in CCC mall and will feature a variety of attractions ranging from live cooking demonstrations to cultural performances.
Addressing a press conference to announce the event, Cesare Capitani, Italian Ambassador to the Sultanate, in the presence of Italian Trade Commissioner in Dubai, Dr Ferdinando Fiore, and the Deputy General Manager of Al Fair Sarel Myburgh, said the Sultanate is totally fond of Italian lifestyle, whether it is the food, clothes, cars or technology.
"Omani citizens are also well acquainted with Italy, as many have visited it for tourism or business," Capitani, recently appointed to represent Italy in Muscat said, adding that the Italian foodstuff and other products will be displayed on special shelves at the Spinneys -- Al Fair and various other supermarkets during the event.
Ferdinando praised the bilateral trade relations between Italy and Oman. "Italian exports to Oman, for the first 11 months of 2007, have risen by 52 per cent from the same period of 2006, amounting to 256.9 million euros," he said. "We are now trying to introduce more Italian goods in Oman, which we believe is the right place for such promotion, as it is becoming a favourable destination for many international events," he added.
By Shaddad al Musalmy
© Oman Daily Observer 2008
