Italy, Pakistan agree to enhance mutual ties in trade, economy

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 05 (DNA): Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan Andreas Ferrarese has said that his country gives utmost importance to its relations with Pakistan and all-out efforts would be made to boost the economic ties. He asked Pakistan to join hands to work together with a view to enhance productivity in post COVID-19 worldwide economic scenario.

In a meeting with All Pakistan Business Forum President Maaz Mahmood,

the Italian Ambassador admired the dynamic role of APBF towards creating

an enabling environment for businesses to perform well and invest

confidently in Pakistan. He also appreciated the APBF for supporting the

diplomatic community in Pakistan, which is engaged in various efforts to

strengthen international trade and harmony.

On this occasion, the APBF and the Italian Embassy reached an

understanding to launch a joint web portal of Italy-Pakistan to share

business and trade information of two countries.

Both sides agreed to cooperate in key developmental areas like;

promotion of mutual trade links, facilitation of closer understanding

between the business communities of Italy and Pakistan, facilitation of

B2B meetings and visits of business delegates, increasing educational

ties and working in collaboration for social development. Mutual

cooperation, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Italy, holding joint

webinars and technology transfer were the major issues which also came

under discussion. Both sides agreed to enhance mutual ties especially in

areas of trade and economy.

APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood, on this occasion, expressed his

gratitude to the Italian Ambassador and acknowledged the valuable

collaboration of Italy in a wide range of programs including; trade,

health, education, public diplomacy and development in Pakistan.

He reiterated that APBF would continue to put its best efforts in

establishing the most favorable business environment in Pakistan, and

would identify and engage resourceful organizations and vital

entrepreneurs to create and seize new opportunities for mutual

development and growth.

Maaz Mahmood briefed him about the MoU signed back in 2016 between the

Embassy of Italy in Pakistan with All Pakistan Business Forum aimed at

establishing with a view to promote trade links through mutual

collaboration in the areas of common interests. He assured them that

APBF would fully facilitate Italian businessmen interested in investing

in Pakistan. APBF wants to diversify Pakistan exports and want to find

new partners for doing business. I believe that Pakistan really has a

lot of potential to promote itself, and Italy is one country which

provides excellent business opportunities, he said.

The APBF president also invited the ambassador to visit Lahore-one of

the Pakistan major trade and industrial hub and capital of the largest

province of the country and meet the business community here with a view

to create close liaison between two nations, which he accepted.

The Ambassador said that several Italian companies were looking at

Pakistan as a possible investment destination since Pakistan not only

provided lower labour cost but also could be a hub for exports to a wide

region extending from China in the east to Lebanon in the west and

including entire central Asia.

The Ambassador discussed the potential areas of investment for the

Italian businessmen like transport, agricultural machinery, frozen food,

furniture making, marble industry, textile, leather and energy sector

would be the main areas of our interest. The Italian envoy said that the

Italian businessmen were closely following the Pakistani market and

products and appreciated skills and talents of the people. DNA

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