Direct experience of an entrepreneur from the Veneto region who decided to believe in the Eurasian world. An adventure that has been going on for 23 years.
Loriano Tomelleri, 63, entrepreneur from Verona. Since 2007, he has been the sole director of Lupatotina Gas e Luce.
Since 2000, partner of the restaurant business “Damtos” in Belarus.
Loriano Tomelleri, you carry on business in Belarus. How did this adventure start?
It’s a beautiful story that I’m proud of, because it starts with an important friendship. My Italian friend and I went to support our Belarusian partner in 2000, and we started the adventure. Thus, Damtos was born.
What is it about?
Actually, we work in the field of catering. We deal with a lot of situations that bring us satisfaction. Over time, we have grown, despite the difficult moments, but we remained united, and we are still here, 23 years later.
Why did you choose Belarus?
It didn’t happen instantly; it was a world I didn’t know. However, gradually I became close to these people, and I must say that it was the right choice. The people are very helpful and accepted me with no problem. I would do it again if I had to.
You are often seen on trips from Verona to Minsk, as is common with other entrepreneurs from the Veneto region. What is it like to live this entrepreneurial activity?
It is a great experience, difficult and stimulating at the same time, although it is not my main activity, as I have been the sole director of Lupatotina Gas e Luce since 2007. The friendly support I told you about. Then everything got bigger. Of course, there are responsibilities, this is not a game. At least once a month I visit Belarus to sum up the results with the participants.
Let us into your world in the light of the geopolitical scenario. Has your work been affected? Is it worth believing and investing in these territories today?
The situation, of course, does not help, and investing has become more difficult. Of course, we do not give up, but we are going through a particularly delicate phase. Because of the sanctions, there can be no connection between European and Belarusian banks: it is impossible to even just send money. Not to mention the difficulties of reaching Belarus. All flights are closed. Every time I arrive in Lithuania by plane, and then I get to Minsk by bus.
Future outlooks and scenarios. How important is it for Veneto entrepreneurship to look at the Eurasian world?
It is a world that offers prospectives, a world full of resources and opportunities. If the geopolitical situation improves, there will be many sectors where we could invest, sharing our experience. I mean, for example, the food sector, where our products are highly valued.
You are also the president of an important company that distributes gas and electricity (Lupatotina Gas and Light) throughout the country. How do you combine these two activities?
As I said, this is my profession, which keeps me busy every day for 16 years. Administrations come and go, but my appointment was always renewed. This means that some proper instructions have been given. Of course, to be able to reconcile the two situations, you must always be active and never tired. The desire to make sacrifices should be at the heart of everything.
What can we expect from this sector in the near future?
The energy sector in Italy has experienced a year of upheavals that I have never seen, although I have been working in this sector for some time. I believe that we will not find the stability that we have once achieved, at least for the next 3-5 years. A lot will depend on the solution of the serious problems from which the world is suffering.