Italy conferred Mr Ratan Tata chairman of TATA Group with the rank of 'Grand Officer' of the Order of Merit as recognition of the conglomerate's service to Italy.

Claudio Scajola Italian minister for economic development conferred TATA with the rank and expressed hope for enhanced trade between the two countries.

Mr Ratan Tata told reporters after receiving the honor that "It is a continuous effort to increase awareness in each country and this has happened over a period of time. The trade between the two countries is still very little and much has to be done about it.”

Scajola and his delegation met Commerce Minister Anand Sharma in the Capital and sought investment from Indian companies in sectors like auto, agro-processing, ports and logistics and energy.

(Sourced from Economic Times)