APCOM

"Italy has always succeeded in confronting new challenges, and the Expo 2015 bid is no exception: it has done a great job". During the International Forum on Food Safety, Food Security and Health Lifestyle, which took place in Milano, Jean Pierre Lafon, President of the International Exhibitions Bureau (Bie), praised Italy's and Milano's efforts in view of the vote for the location of the event, due in Paris on March 31st.

Evidently Italy has the skill to host the Expo. However - he added - being a competition, we must wait for the outcome. It is a very interesting race and I'm sure each contender will try and do its best".

Addressing the Minister for Cultural Affairs, Francesco Rutelli, Lafon then underlined the country's outstanding ability to exploit its cultural and artistic resources. "Italy has done a marvelous job and under the guidance of Mayor Moratti the team has managed to bring Italian candidacy to very high standards". Lafon also expressed his appreciation for the core issue chosen for the bid: "Feeding the planet, energy for life". "A theme that is central to all the 140 Bie member states and that embraces many vital issues for the planet: from global warming to the use of marine resources" he added.

About 200 delegates of 94 different Nations from all over the world, in addition to local administrators, ministers and representatives of the government took part in the two-day summit.