With degrees in Physics and Chemistry, post-graduate studies from the University of London, the University Illinois and IBJ Tokyo, Dr Leonardo Simonelli’s career goes back 40 years. From the early days as an Adviser to IMI (Istituto Mobiliare Italiano), Officer at the Foreign Department in Brussels to the helm of IMI’s International Division.

He has been President of Finest, an Italian financial services company specialising in Central and Eastern Europe and Chairman of the International Savings Banks in London. From 1994 Dr Simonelli as been the President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK. He is a Director of several international companies.

D.At the helm of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in London for fifteen years. What are the main changes that have incised on the Made in Italy?

R.With the European integration dictated by the opening of international markets, our mission was to take British investors to Italy in order for them to appreciate the value of Italian companies.

D.The English market is full of opportunities for Italian companies especially now that the pound is weak. But, what are the prospects to enhance collaboration between the two states?

R.Like all partnerships, there needs to be trust between parties. A collaboration that I believe should be based on trade, investment and services. It should be emphasised that despite the devaluation of the pound, Italian products - as quality products - are targeted to high-end markets that are less sensitive to price changes.

D.The failure Lehman Brothers has sunk the stock markets. How has this unprecedented crisis affected Italian exports to the UK?

R.The failure of Lehman Brothers was in fact the tip of the iceberg, which had generated false wealth. The loss of confidence in the financial world has led to a decline in consumption.

D.Small businesses have suffered more this phase of recession. Are there any credit funds accessible to small businesses to make their presence felt on the British market?

R.In this recession, funding small / medium-sized enterprises is almost impossible - with limited resources at hand it will be most difficult for small companies to access the global market.

D.Can opening businesses to an international market overcome the current economic crisis?

R.Opening toward international markets in order to promote Italian products is essential. What kind of support does the Chamber of Commerce provide students who are approaching their first job?

R.Through the optimization of the Chamber of Commerce website, we have introduced a special job section. We also offer the opportunity of internships as well as advice and support necessary to enter the employment world.

D."Maybe I could have done more, but maybe I could have done less,” is what you said in an interview with Sagida Syed.

R.I started out as a scientist, with a degree in chemistry and physics, but quite gradually, I changed direction. It allowed me to consider various facets of the human dimension, essential to my role as President of the Chamber of Commerce.

ITALOEUROPEO OFFICIAL MAGAZINE AT THE DOLCE VITA EXHIBITION 2012 IN LONDON

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