ISLAMABAD: The visiting Trade Commissioner of Italy, Mr. Riccardo Monti called on the Federal Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here on Thursday. He was accompanied by the Italian Ambassador, Stefano Pontecorvo.
Monti on this occasion apprised the Minister of his country’s strong resolve to foster cooperation with Pakistan in different fields including agriculture, leather goods and textile sectors. He said Italy could contribute both in terms of providing technical knowhow as well as funding different projects. He particularly mentioned about Italy’s expertise in the marble industry and said his country could consider undertaking training programme for Pakistani experts in this field. He further said that Italy would invite Pakistani delegations from different spheres for interaction with Italian professionals.
The Italian Trade Commissioner evinced particular interest in the automobile sector and said as soon as Pakistan announces its auto policy, leading Italian automobile companies including Fiat would visit Pakistan and seek business opportunities here. He also offered close collaboration in the fields of pharmaceuticals and healthcare. He also shared with the Finance Minister details about Italian companies vast experience in hydropower generation projects and building large dams.
The Finance Minister welcomed Italian government’s initiatives to have close cooperation with Pakistan in different sectors. He informed Mr. Monti about the Dasu and Diamer Basha projects. He said whereas Dasu had already achieved financial close, Pakistan would welcome Italian cooperation and assistance for the Diamer Basha Dam.
The Minister said that all possible facilitation would be extended to the Italian companies for having business ventures in Pakistan and added that Board of Investment and the Ministry of Commerce would play the lead role in this regard. The Minister emphasized greater economic and trade cooperation between Italy and Pakistan. He said that collaboration in the fields of energy sector, agriculture, livestock based food industry, textiles and automobile industry can be productive as both countries enjoy potential in these areas. Senior officials of the Ministries of Finance and Commerce attended the meeting.
