APCOM

London and Milano are united by an ideal bond, which is not only the result of an institutional collaboration, but also of the big events the two cities are preparing for. One is, that the 2012 Olympic Games will take place in the English capital. The other is the Expo 2015, whose assignment is due on March 31st: on that date, Milano will finally know whether it's going to be the host town.

The occasion to outline and talk about these experiences has been offered by the presentation at Palazzo Marino of the activity of "Think London", a non-profit, private public partnership that delivers expertise and advice to overseas businesses. During the press conference, organized by the British Consulate General, company's chief executive Michael Charlton, has underlined the English economic growth related with the Olympics. "Current forecasts suggest this will be by more than ¿ 63 billion in the next five years", explains Charlton. "Besides, the Olympic and Paralympic Games will offer many opportunities for international companies: at least 50,000 contracts concerning technology, security and media will be stipulated over the next few years".

Valentino Castellani, President of TOROC (Turin Organizing Committee for the 2006 Olympic Games) has pointed out the profound impact that ambitious projects like these can have on the urban context: "The East End of London is a great example of urban recovery. Through the Expo, Milano can do the same. Any project can be important if it involves the city's development".