Our Bureau
New Delhi
In a significant move to bolster economic ties between India, the Middle East, and Europe, Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli has emphasized the strategic importance of the Port of Trieste in the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). This corridor, announced at the Delhi G20 summit, aims to enhance connectivity and trade across these regions by leveraging existing infrastructure and historical trade routes.
Ambassador Bartoli highlighted Trieste’s unique position in Europe, noting its extensive network of trains and highways that seamlessly connect it to the heart of Europe. Historically, Trieste thrived as a major port under the Habsburg Empire, earning “free port” status and attracting merchants from the Ottoman Empire, Britain, and India. Its deep, sheltered harbor in the Gulf of Trieste made it an ideal docking point for large vessels, serving as a gateway to Europe.
The IMEC initiative seeks to revitalize ancient trade routes, such as the Golden Road between Rome and southern India, which once facilitated the exchange of goods like wine and black pepper. Today, this corridor not only focuses on goods but also on data, with Italian companies investing in high-speed data cables connecting Mumbai to Genoa. This project aligns with broader global initiatives like the EU’s Global Gateway and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.
Italy is actively strengthening its role in IMEC by preparing to appoint a Special Envoy to oversee its interests in the project. The Port of Trieste is poised to become a crucial hub for Indian trade into Central and Eastern Europe, offering unmatched logistical advantages over other Mediterranean ports. Its rail connections to Austria, Germany, and other European countries, along with road links to Slovenia and Croatia, make it an ideal terminal for the corridor.
As global trade dynamics evolve, the strategic positioning of Trieste underscores Italy’s commitment to fostering economic cooperation and stability across the IMEC regions. With peace as a precondition for realizing this vision, the corridor also serves as a powerful factor in stabilizing the Middle East and promoting shared prosperity. As Italy moves forward with its engagement in IMEC, the Port of Trieste stands ready to play a pivotal role in reshaping global trade routes.
