The presenting of the “Giuseppe Maria Leonardi” Award to company Valy d.o.o. during the ceremonial gala evening of the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce confirmed this as an outstanding example of successful economic relations and, in a broader sense, good overall institutional, diplomatic, economic and cultural cooperation between Italy and Serbia.
The ceremony, which is organised each December by the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, had special significance this year due to the fact that it was supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Italy and held at the Ambassadorial Residence of Italian Ambassador H.E. Giuseppe Manzo.
“This evening is another sign of healthy and friendly relations between Italy and Serbia, and this year also confirms the leading position of our country in economics and trade. It is significant that we are meeting today, as it is a day that marks the opening of a new chapter in Serbia’s EU accession negotiations, which Italy will continue to support. We are also looking forward to the Summit of the Western Balkans, which we will host in 2017,” said Ambassador Manzo.
The gala evening’s special guest was Serbian Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, Ana Brnabić.
Minister Brnabić, together with Ambassador Manzo and Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce President and DDOR Novi Sad Executive Board Chairman, Giorgio Marchegiani, as well as members of the Management Board of KISP, presented the “Giuseppe Maria Leonardi” Award to this year’s winner: Valy d.o.o. CEO Albert Gras, which was presented in recognition of this company’s outstanding contribution to employment, education and employee training, the growth of export from Serbia, constant investment in new technologies and innovations, as well as support for the development of local communities and improving the overall economic, commercial and cultural relations between Italy and Serbia.
In addition to representatives of the Italian business community, the Embassy of Italy, the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade, the Italian Culture Institute and the diplomatic corps, attendees also included Serbian business leaders, representatives of the Serbian political scene and the institutions with which the chamber has built traditionally good business relations, as well as personalities from public and cultural life.
