The year 2003 for the Italian-Icelandic Chamber of Commerce started off in Reykjavík, March 6, with the annual Italian Business Day where businessmen from both countries shared their experiences on conducting business between the two countries. We learned how Icelandic banks have been increasingly financing their operations via Italian banks; how three Italians from the north, center and southern Italy met in Iceland and opened a restaurant in Reykjavik, the most successful restaurant for more than a decade; how a small Icelandic business, selling Italian products, has survived for more than half a century by adapting to different demands at home; and finally how the large Italian company Impregilo views the immense project it has just undertaken – building the largest dam in Iceland for decades – which is meant to provide hydro-energy for a new aluminium plant in Reydarfjordur.

The Business Day was followed by tasting of Italian wines and a Gala Dinner at Hotel Holt, where the Lombardian chef, Fabrizio Lusenti , demonstrated typical North-Italian dishes. The guests of honour were Geir H. Haarde, the Icelandic Minister of Finance, and Daniele Molgora, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Finance in Italy.

The Annual Autumn Meeting in Italy was this time held in Naples, September 15, with the Icelandic Minister of Fisheries, Mr. Arni M. Mathiesen, the Key Note Speaker. The Minister illustrated the importance of fish exports for the Icelandic economy and how the Icelandic fish surveillance system has helped to control and strengthen sustainable use of the fish stocks in the Icelandic waters. The Icelandic Ambassdor to Italy, Mrs. Sigridur Snaevarr, honoured us with her presence and gave the opening address.

From late May to the middle of September Ms. Erica Masiero, from Trieste, was working for the Chamber. Her role was to respond to business questions from members and bring in new members. She also assisted with organising the Autumn Meeting.

The warmest thanks to the former Italian Ambassador to Iceland, Mr. Andrea G. Mochi Onory di Saluzzo, who returned to his home in Rome late summer after three years of service in Oslo for Iceland and Norway. He was in many ways the godfather of the Chamber from the very start. At the same time we welcome the new Ambassador, Mr. Uberto Pestalozza, and look forward to working with him in the coming years.