PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Italian Festival 2006: A Touch of Italy
11 May to 2 July

Singapore, 11 May 2006 - "Italian Festival" is being celebrated in Singapore, for the fourth consecutive year, from 11 May to 2 July. This initiative, targeted at the Singapore consumer market, is a multifaceted promotional campaign, designed to promote the image of 'Made in Italy', in conjunction with the Italian National Day (2 June).

The initiative is a joint effort of the Italian Embassy, Italian Trade Commission, Italian Cultural Institute and Italian Chamber of Commerce.

A Touch of Italy

Each day Italy is represented in the form of numerous consumer choices of millions of people around the world, who choose to buy 'Made in Italy' products, and through those products, a particular lifestyle. Over the years, 'Made in Italy' has come to represent style, creativity, innovation, technology and quality, to consumers around the globe, reflecting the special characteristics of Italy and Italian lifestyle, which are appreciated all over the world. Singapore is no exception. Today, a growing number of 'Made in Italy' products and special features of Italian lifestyle 'touch' the lives of many a Singaporean. 'Italian Festival 2006' brings a special 'touch' of Italy to Singapore once again.

Under this campaign, which was launched at a gala dinner cum fashion show on 11 May, Singaporeans will be treated to some of the best expressions of 'Made in Italy' and Italian lifestyle, through a series of high profile events, organised in collaboration with local partners and sponsors.

The Italian Film Festival organised in cooperation with the Singapore Film Society and Golden Village will showcase a select repertoire of Italian films from years 2000 to 2005 at GV Plaza Singapura, providing Singaporeans a sampling of contemporary Italian cinema. A highlight of the 'Italian Film Festival' will be the screening of the film 'And if Tomorrow' (E se domani) at the official opening of the film festival, where the director of the film, Giovanni La Parola and the lead Actress, Sabrina Impacciatore, will be present in person to interact with the audience. A special screening of the same film, for commercial purposes, will also be organised for trade invitees on 29 May.

Singaporeans will be spoilt for choice, with the "A Touch of Italy" promotion being organised in collaboration with Carrefour, at which a wide selection of authentic Italian food and beverage products, 'Made in Italy' white goods, appliances and other lifestyle products will be on special offer. World-renowned Italian technology in terms of broadcasting and multimedia technology will be showcased through the Italian national pavilion at Broadcast Asia 2006, which will be held at Singapore Expo. A slice of Italian cultural heritage and tradition can be sampled at the 'Baroque Era - Harpsichord Night' music concert, while the seminar on advanced technology, precision engineering and mechatronics will provide the ideal platform for cooperation and collaboration between Italian and Singapore SMEs operating in these sectors. To conclude the festival, a special showcase of Italian lifestyle will be organised at Paragon's main atrium, through fashion shows and special displays set to demonstrate the style, splendour and variety of Italian lifestyle.

Please refer to the attached calendarof events for the complete programme of Italian Festival 2006.

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For more information, please contact:
Italian Trade Commission
Tel: 6820 3180, Fax: 6333 8058, Email: singapore@singapore.ice.it