– bilateral relationship is strong and growing, with the two countries cooperating closely on major economic issues. is one of the United States' and New Jersey's most important trading partners. In 2003, the U.S. was the fourth largest foreign supplier in the Italian market, and the largest supplier outside the European Union. In 2003, the State's exports to were valued at approximately $470 Million, thus placing Italy, from an economic standpoint, well within the top ten countries conducting business with New Jersey.

Both New Jersey and enjoy a strong and diversified manufacturing sector and are equally strong agricultural producers. New Jersey is a unique location for international trade, with a diverse population and proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport, major railroad and trucking routes, and the important commercial Port of Elizabeth. Each year, the New Jersey World Trade Council Conference attracts hundreds of investors, government officials, businessmen and educators from New Jersey and the host country. This edition is designed to stimulate business between American and Italian operators. The annual gathering has captured



national attention and is regarded as a key event during World Trade Week.

Open to the public, the conference provides the whole Metropolitan area and Italian businesses and corporations a forum to learn about the growing commercial opportunities between New Jersey and Italy. The conference will feature panel discussions, trade exhibits and speakers that highlight important import/export, foreign direct investment and portfolio investment opportunities. Speakers from the New Jersey, Federal and Italian governments will describe mechanisms for establishing corporate trading relations, the procurement of financing, regulations and the business environment. For the past 33 conferences, participants have been able to meet the Governor of New Jersey and high ranking government officials from the Host Country and network with vendors, suppliers and potential business partners, as well as government agency, legal, tax and financial advisors.In addition to New Jersey Acting Governor Richard J. Codey, anticipated speakers include: The Honorable Antonio Bandini, Consul General of in New York; The Honorable Stefano Mistretta, Consul General of in Philadelphia; The Honorable Virginia Bauer, New Jersey Secretary of Commerce and Chairman of The Economic Growth Commission;    Larry N.

Paragano, Jr., Chairman of the New Jersey Italian and Italian-American Heritage Commission; Anthony R. Coscia, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Commissions, Port Authority of New York/New Jersey; Joseph J. Seneca, Ph.D., University Professor, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Vito Racanelli, foreign editor/Europe, Barron's; Dott. Roberto Luongo, Director, Italian Trade Commission; Ted Zangari, Esq., Partner, Sills Cummis Epstein & Gross, P.C.; Stefano Crosio, Esq., Partner, Gianni Origoni Grippo & Partners; Brendan R. McCahill, President and COO, PIERS/Global Intelligence Solutions and Eric Stewart, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Europe, U.S.

Department of Commerce.The event is co-organized by the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission and the New Jersey World Trade Council, a not-for-profit organization promoting cross-border trade and investment between New Jersey businesses and countries of the free world. The conference provides an invaluable window into economic opportunity for New Jersey and should not be missed by anyone engaged in international trade.For additional information about the conference please contact Daniela Puglielli at (908) 212 7846, or Roger Marinzoli at (732) 932 0670. For reservations please call John McCahill at (732) 531 1760 or Lee Eagles for exhibit space at (201) 488 5800 – ext 118..