A fair capable of renewing itself season after season and always an appointment with a strong international connotation, Expo Riva Schuh confirmed these peculiar characteristics also in its last edition in June 2022, inviting to its inauguration several foreign institutional delegations, including Brazil's Consul General in Milan, Ambassador Hadil da Rocha-Vianna.
What is the situation of the Brazilian economy today?
"We are very happy with the performance of our economy: the latest data, in fact, report a GDP growth of more than 1 percent, an unexpected outcome after the pandemic period, and this gives us hope for the results related to the end of this year and the beginning of the one to come. It also means that our government is giving the right support to businesses to grow in domestic and foreign markets, especially to companies operating in key sectors, such as fashion accessories."
What impression did you get from your visit to Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags?
"Italy is a very important market for Brazilian companies: I personally witnessed the lively atmosphere present at the recent edition of the Salone del Mobile in Milan, and at Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, too, you can sense this same desire to meet and do business. There are many Brazilian companies that come to Italy to exhibit their products and meet buyers from all over Europe and the world, both in the design, footwear and leather goods sectors."
How much is the issue of sustainability felt by Brazilian companies?
"Today, sustainability is a real 'must,' and not only in footwear and leather goods, but in a plurality of sectors. Brazilian companies have long been committed to pursuing sustainable development and good growth practices in harmony with people and the environment, and the government itself is working in this direction. Footwear and leather goods, as well as furniture, are among the most important sectors of the Brazilian economy, and that is why the government supports and will support companies in their sustainable investments, not least because they will make them increasingly competitive in international markets."
