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Italian Envoy Eyes Swift India-EU Trade Deal, Boosting Wine & Tourism

Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli expressed optimism that a soon-to-be-concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement will make Italian wine more accessible in India. He highlighted tourism, sustainable energy, and healthcare as further areas for Italy-Goa collaboration. The FTA, expected during a high-level EU visit in late January, aims to significantly boost the already substantial $136 billion bilateral trade relationship. The agreement will cover goods, services, and investment while including safeguards for Indian farmers and MSMEs.

Key Points: India-EU FTA Could Make Italian Wine Cheaper: Envoy

  • FTA could lower prices for Italian wine
  • Tourism & sustainable energy are key collaboration areas
  • Deal aims to boost $136B bilateral trade
  • India seeks zero-duty access for textiles, leather
3 min read

Hope India-EU FTA can be closed soon: Italian Ambassador

Italian Ambassador hopes India-EU free trade deal closes soon, promising cheaper wine and collaboration in tourism, energy, and healthcare.

"We hope that these products can be more accessible to the Indian public thanks to the free trade agreement - Antonio Bartoli"

Panaji, January 19

Ambassador of Italy to India, Antonio Bartoli, remained optimistic about the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and said that Italian wine could become more accessible to the Indian public.

Antonio Bartoli spoke to ANI at the second edition of the Vinitaly India Roadshow in Goa, an international tour to promote Italian wine in global markets.

"Wine is a great channel of communication. We would like to promote Italian wine. We hope that these products can be more accessible to the Indian public thanks to the free trade agreement that we hope can be closed soon," he said.

Bartoli also suggested that tourism, sustainable energy, waste segregation and hospitality are some other sectors in which Italy and Goa can collaborate.

"I'm sure that you could and should increase the percentage of foreign tourism in Goa. We are one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. We are closing 2025 with an expected 479 million visitors. I want to mention that there are other sectors in which we can work. One is renewable, sustainable energy. You have a very good record in waste segregation. You are one of the most virtuous territories in all India.

"We need 65,000 nurses only in the public structures in hospitals, and I think we should discuss how to do also with Goa," he added.

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that the Vinitaly India Roadshow is the start of a journey and expressed intentions to promote the state's tourism beyond its beaches to the culinary.

"I think it has just been a start, a journey which we need to take ahead. And when we talk about tourism and how we promote it, we are not only talking about sun, sand, and sea, but also about Goa beyond beaches. Culinary, as a place, we need to talk. And that's how the wish list starts. So there is something that we need to connect, other than the connectivity between Goa and Rome or Italy. And we need to see how best we can exploit the two airports to ensure more tourism grows in these sectors between Goa and Italy. I convey my best wishes to all the exhibitors," he said.

India-EU FTA is expected to be completed during the visit of the European Council President, Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will visit India to represent the EU at the 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled for January 27.

The FTA aims to boost bilateral trade between India and the EU, which is already India's largest trading partner, with goods trade totalling $136.53 billion in 2024-25. The agreement is expected to cover areas such as market access for goods, rules of origin, services, investment, and intellectual property rights.

India is seeking zero-duty access for labour-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, and handicrafts. The agreement will include safeguards for farmers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The FTA will promote regulatory cooperation and transparency, making it easier for businesses to operate in both markets.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While trade is good, we must be very careful. The article mentions safeguards for farmers and MSMEs, but I hope our negotiators are strong. We cannot let our small industries be crushed by European giants. The focus should be mutual benefit, not just opening our markets.
A
Aman W
The collaboration on sustainable energy and waste management is the real win here. Goa's model can be showcased. Also, 65,000 nurses needed in Italy? That's a huge opportunity for skilled Indian healthcare professionals if structured properly.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves both Indian and Italian food, promoting Goa's culinary tourism beyond beaches is a brilliant idea. A food and wine corridor between Goa and Italy could be amazing for local economies and cultural exchange.
V
Vikram M
Finally some positive diplomatic news! An FTA with the EU has been in the works for ages. $136 billion trade is no joke. If this gets our leather goods and textiles into Europe duty-free, it will create so many jobs. Fingers crossed for the summit later this month!
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Karthik V
Good to see the ambassador praising Goa's waste segregation. We often only hear criticism. Hope the FTA includes strong tech transfer clauses in renewable energy. That's where the long-term gain is, not just in trading goods.

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