Italian companies explore Pakistan as investment option: envoy

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Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo has said that a large number of renowned Italian companies are presently exploring Pakistan as an investment option because the country has ample supply of cheap labour having potential to be a regional hub for exports.

He was addressing the members of All Pakistan Business Forum the other day at a local hotel along with Italian Association of Foreign Trade (AICE) Secretary General David Doninotti and several representatives of Italian companies. The meeting was arranged by the APBF, aimed at promoting trade relations between Italy and Pakistan by conducting B2B meetings and match making in various sectors. “Pakistan provides significant trade links including China and central Asian region.”

Stefano Pontecorvo observed that several Italian companies, including Fiat, were viewing Pakistan as the next possible investment destination. Italy’s Fiat made a brief foray in the 1990s, but failed to gain a foothold before the financial crisis forced it to exit.

He informed the APBF members that delegation of Italian businessmen had visited all major industrial cities of Pakistan to establish contacts with the business community.

“Italian businessmen closely follow the Pakistani market and products and appreciate the skills and talents available in the country.”

He said that the embassy of Italy in Pakistan had already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with All Pakistan Business Forum to promote trade links. He appreciated the APBF for promotion of Pak-Italy’s mutual trade links, facilitation of closer understanding between the business communities of the two countries and facilitation of B2B meetings and visits of business delegates.

The envoy said that Italy was holding Pakistan Trade and Investment Forum in Rome in April 2016 to promote bilateral trade. APBF President Ibrahim Qureshi would lead a 16-member business delegation where he would meet Italian minister for economic development, officials from government agencies, Italian leading companies, and Italian foreign trade agencies.

Ibrahim Qureshi said the focus of the seminar would be on energy, infrastructure, automobiles, agro food, pharmaceuticals, marble, stones and textiles etc, he added. He said the current trade between the two countries was around $300 million while foreign direct investment from Italy was around $200 million which needed to be enhanced, he added.

3 COMMENTS

  1. This news is very nice to read and also may it will helps to enhance their business growth to high and develop their country's economy.

    Chandru From Bizbilla – International B2B Marketplace

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