Import of Italian construction materials in the UAE in 2015 stood at $400 million and is expected to increase by 20% to $480 million in 2016, according to a statement released during The Big 5 exhibition in Dubai. The Italian Trade Agency (ITA), in collaboration with MADE EXPO, recently hosted the ‘MADE Expo 2017: Made in Italy Construction Solutions and Materials’ conference on the sidelines of the show. The speakers Gianpaolo Bruno, the Italian trade commissioner to the UAE, Oman and Pakistan, architect Giovanni Giacobone, senior associate, Progetto CMR, and Gianni Righi, sales executive, MADE Expo, focused on the creativity and quality of Italian designs and products, according to an ITA statement. With foreign design firms’ increasing interest in MADE Expo, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Dubai has been helping create a bridge between interested foreign and Italian firms, with a goal of internationalizing Italian firms. The Italian Trade Agency was present at the BIG 5 Exhibition with a stand where it provided promotional materials and additional information about MADE Expo as well as promotional services offered by ITA. MADE Expo 2017, the renowned Italian design and construction trade show, will be held from 8-11 March in Milan. It has, in the past, proved to be a productive meeting platform for industry professionals such as architects, manufacturers, designers, contractors, engineers and consultants, commissioner Bruno noted. Construction materials, interiors, furnishings and decorations; products for building facades and windows; software technologies and services are popular Italian exports to the UAE.