MARMOMACC was promoted by Veronafiere, Verona, Italy, at International Economic Forum held from 16th to 18th June, 2016 at St. Petersburg.

 

This was a unique opportunity for meetings with over 10,000 companies and leading figures in international business and industry, with special emphasis on the Russian Federation and the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). 

 

Italy was represented by Premier Matteo Renzi and the Minister of Economic Development, Carlo Calenda, inaugurated the Italian Pavilion "Italy in Russia". The Pavilion was home for  b2b initiatives and presentations by Veronafiere through its exhibition events. 

 

"Veronafiere's involvement in the St. Petersburg forum is an absolute priority. There is a great deal of construction work to be done in Russia and Eurasia and the presence of Italian companies - currently standing at 600 - has to be strengthened in order to bridge the gap with other EU countries, such as Germany with 6,000 firms," said the President of Veronafiere, Maurizio Danese. The embargo has also affected Italian exports: in just two years, from 2013 to 2015, Russia dropped back from 8th to 13th place as an outlet market for Italian products. The International Economic Forum is consequently a great opportunity for relaunching the political and economic alliance between the European Union and the Russian Federation, as also hoped for by President Putin."     

 

"Veronafiere has never ceased investing in the Russian market, as proven by our confirmation of events scheduled in Moscow in the wine sector - where we have been active since 2004. We are also organising many initiatives at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum because we believe there are many opportunities for opening discussion tables regarding bilateral development between Italy and the Eurasian Economic Union and because our attention not only focuses on Russia but also on Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. We are watching the evolution of relationships between Italy and Russia with very close attention because we believe that they can start off again with a high level of innovation," said the CEO & Director General of Veronafiere, Giovanni Mantovani. And in this regard, Italian manufacturing - with products ranging from engineering to agro-foods - is still held in high regard in Eurasia even though today, as a result of the European embargo, interest is also turning to economies such as China, India, Iran and Israel, not to mention a growing focus on self-sufficiency in many areas."

 

This International Economic Forum was a platform for promotion of Marmomacc and other fairs being organized by Veronafiere.

 

Labradorite Peacock Blue Quarry Mining

SUN MINERALS MADAGASCAR Sarl, along with NORCROSS MADAGASCAR GROUP (NMG) will be the exclusive suppliers of blocks and slabs from their Peacock Blue labradorite quarry in Maniry. In May, Sun Minerals plans to start opening the second quarry in their joint venture, with hopes the new area will produce a new color.

 

COVERINGS REPORTS GROWTH AT 2016 SHOW

The growth and energy at the 2016 Coverings show strengthened the show's position as the leading international tile and stone exhibition in North America. More than 25,000 industry professionals attended the week-long expo, April 18-21, 2016. This figure is an increase in overall attendance from the 2015 show, and to industry insiders, affirms positive movement in the tile and stone market.

 

The 25,000 attendance count is a remarkable 15 per cent increase from 2009, the last year Coverings was held in Chicago. This year's most impressive attendance segment is held by distributors, which increased by a noteworthy 18 per cent since 2009.

 

"The increase in overall attendance from last year signals continued vitality and vigor in the tile and stone industry," said Alena Capra, Coverings' Industry Ambassador. "There was an onsite energy that emanated from the show floor, and it is encouraging to have that excitement verified with these recap figures."  

 

Veteran Coverings exhibitors noted the excitement on the show floor as well as the ample opportunities for networking and education that took place during the show.