MEET ITALY’S NEW TRADE COMMISSIONER: ERICA DI GIOVANCARLO

Mrs. Erica Di Giovancarlo has recently joined the Italian Trade Agency as its new Italian Trade Commissioner for the United States, based in New York City. Here, we got a chance to catch up with her as she settles into her new post. 

MR: Can we start with a bit of personal background?
EDG: I was born and raised near Rome in a small but historic town where I lived until age 18. From my dad, who was an engineer, I inherited a genuine enthusiasm for life. He was so passionate about not just his work but about everything he did. From him, I learned to be curious about the world and dive deeply into all projects. My mom was an English teacher, and of course, I also learned much from her.

How did you arrive at a career with the Italian government?
I studied business at a university in Rome; my first job was as a CPA in a major accounting firm. I then went to work for the Italian government and learned so much from several wonderful experiences, first in Rome and then internationally: India – Mumbai and New Delhi, Brazil, and most recently, Japan…

Can you tell us what you liked best about that recent assignment in Japan?
I loved the dichotomy of tradition vs. modernity. The Japanese people care so much about history and preserving the past, yet they are on the forefront of technology and so open to the future. The juxtaposition of very small homes and very tall skyscrapers is another example of this paradox.

Theirs is a very spiritual culture exemplified by kintsugi, the healing power of pottery repair. This is a traditional Japanese art form where broken pieces of pottery are stuck back together with a special lacquer. The cracks are then painted with gold or silver powder, and the pottery continues to be used and treasured, even more in its state of repair. That there is beauty within imperfection is a uniquely Japanese concept and very much to be admired.

I also appreciated the intrinsic respect for others that permeates the Japanese culture.

How did you get to be Italy’s first-ever female trade commissioner?
I wish I could give myself credit, but it’s really about the gradual change that’s happening all over the world. Companies and governments are finally realizing that women can handle big business and that they add elements of intuition and enthusiasm that are often lacking in our male-dominated society. My approach to my job is not about power but rather about results. I strongly believe in what we do here and communicate my enthusiasm to my very talented ITA teams.

What are ITA’s current goals in America, given a slight contraction the first nine months of 2023, with fashion imports from Italy down by 2.4%?
We will continue to promote made-in-Italy product, especially for small- to medium-sized Italian companies, so many of which are family businesses. We will continue to sponsor very special events and personally get to know the U.S. retailers, so many of whom already focus strongly on Italian fashion. The Chicago show was very successful for us and a good omen for the future.

And speaking of the Chicago show, we learned at the ITA gathering that you are an amazing singer and dancer! What are some of your other interests/passions outside of work?
Ahahahah……I like enjoying life!

I am a very sporty person: I love skiing, sailing, riding, and everything that makes me stay in contact with nature. I am very fond of any kind of music. I used to play cello when I was young, which developed my sensitivity and my sense of rhythm. Reading is my life companion; knitting and crocheting relax me, and I find them very rewarding.

Di Giovancarlo, above, with our own Charles Garone.