Covatta recently managed the Hong Kong mission of a high-level delegation from Italy's FILAS an organisation dedicated to the economic development of Italy's Lazio region, based in the national capital, Rome.

FILAS sought Covatta's assistance in developing bilateral relations between Hong Kong and Italy, on both institutional and commercial levels.

A particular focus for the mission was the formation of links between Hong Kong and Italy's audio visual markets. With the help of Covatta, FILAS was able to form a key alliance with FILMART Hong Kong.

"Our audiovisual industry is comprised of hundreds of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) which, in order to grow, must form strong alliances and must participate in co-productions," said Giulia Rodano, The Regione Lazio Councillor for Culture and Entertainment. "FILMART Hong Kong is an ideal platform to look for partners as Asian countries can boast of strong domestic markets and great production vitality."

The FILAS project was part of a major European push for Covatta Communications, Hong Kong's only marketing and public relations firm specialising in helping Italian firms launch in the region.

"We're uniquely positioned to work with Italian companies as they enter the Asian market," reported Managing Director, Mary Covatta. "Speaking the language and understanding the culture and mindset makes an enormous difference. I also sit on the board of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and have solid experience and strong relationships with Italian business in Asia."