Export Institute: exports to italy expected to increase in 2004

Mr. Shraga Brosh Chairman of the Israel Export Institute said in a press release, on the eve of the arrival to Israel of an Italian trade delegation, that he expects a 10% surge in export to Italy in 2004  which will total us$850 millions, including diamonds.
 
The Italian trade delegation, headed by deputy president of the European Parliament Mr.Mauro Mario, arrived in Israel on September 7th to widen trade co-operation between the two countries.
 
Mr. Brosh emphasized that between January – July 2004 industrial export to Italy ( excluding diamonds ) was up by 14% and totaled us$ 473 millions.
 
The surge in exports can, according to Mr. Brosh, be attributed to the 16.6% increase in the strength of  the Euro compared to the U.S. Dollar.
 
Mr. Brosh noted that exports of medical equipment to Italy was up by  112% ( us$ 13 millions) during the first half, compared to same period last year.
 
The visit of the trade delegation was organized by the Export Institute in close co-operation with Nia Delle Opere, the largest and most active trade organization in Italy consisting of 30,000 commercial enterprises.