Message from Consul General of Italy

I am very happy to address both Pakistani and Italian readers of this prestigious newspaper on the auspicious occasion of the National Day of Italy. In celebrating it, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and present my warmest greetings to the people of Pakistan for the friendship and hospitality that they have unfailingly shown to me ever since I arrived here over two years ago.
This year will mark the 63rd anniversary of the independence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and I wish to congratulate Pakistani leaders and people for this achievement. After the successful 2008 elections, I am glad to see that Pakistan is projecting itself as a democratic, moderate and progressive country and I wish to emphasise that Italy strongly supports the efforts carried out by the Government of Pakistan for the implementation of reforms, modernisation and political stability.
Unfortunately, the Italian National Day is taking place at a time of tensions for Pakistan. We Italians are very close to the Pakistani people in these difficult days and especially to the IDPs (internally displaced persons) from the Swat Valley and the neighbouring regions. We are ready to contribute to the emergency efforts in the next months, together with other European partners and all the Friends of Democratic Pakistan. In this respect, the Italian Government will shortly contribute 3 million euros by way of humanitarian aid. We also have full confidence in the ability of the Pakistani Government to face the new challenge as it did after the terrible earthquake in Kashmir in 2005.
Emergency is only part of the problem, as reconstruction will be the bigger challenge. Italy would also like to be part of this effort. Some initiatives are already underway in the context of the 100 million USD Debt Swap Program that Italy and Pakistan have established together.
One of these initiatives is aimed at enhancing Pakistan's rich cultural heritage. For over fifty years, we had in the Swat Valley an Archaeological Mission that became the symbol of Italy's presence in the region and in Pakistan as a whole. Three generations of Italian archaeologists were in Saidu Sharif and the Swat Valley emerged from their studies as a crossroads of civilisations from neolithic times to the present. Our ambition is now to transform the Archaeological Mission into a centre for Italian Archaeological Studies on Gandhara. We would like this centre to become a symbol of the reconstruction of Swat, a dream at which our experts are working with the experts of the Pakistani Ministry of Culture to turn it into a reality.
Emergency means that we should now act fast, but reconstruction should bring us to consider the long-term implications of our commitment. In this respect, Italy has announced two additional programs having the goal of helping stabilise and develop NWFP and Balochistan. First, we are finalising a 40 million euro program for microcredit in rural areas, which could provide some of the financial means required for reconstruction and development. Furthermore, during the meeting of the Friends of Pakistan Group held in Tokyo earlier this year, we announced a 20 million euro program for vocational training, aimed at teaching Pakistani workers to become proficient in the use of the state-of-the art machinery that Italian manufacturers can provide for industrial development in Pakistan.
The Consulate General of Italy in Karachi has always worked to further enhance the strong, friendly ties between our two countries. As a Consul General of Italy in this dynamic, cosmopolitan city, I am focusing on the improvement of the cultural and business links between Pakistan and Italy. In the cultural field, I am pleased to mention that our country was the main partner for the 2009 Karachi Film Festival, where three famous Italian films were shown and opened some new avenues for mutual understanding and cultural interaction.
As far as trade relations are concerned, the Italian Trade Commission is working in the right direction to develop them. Furthermore, we are now finalising the establishment of an Italy-Pakistan chamber of commerce in Karachi, which will unite Pakistani and Italian businessmen and will ultimately have the recognition of the Italian Government. This initiative will aim to create new business opportunities in giving our respective businessmen a forum to discuss prospects and project themselves effectively in Italy and Pakistan.
There is actually huge scope for economic co-operation between our two countries and such vast potential has been explored only to a very limited extent so far. The trade figures are nonetheless encouraging: In 2008, our bilateral trade increased by 7% and crossed the threshold of 1 billion euros for the first time in the history of our relations. Trade-wise our two countries are complementary: Italy can provide Pakistan with state-of-the-art technology and know-how to develop its industry and at the same time be a vast market for Pakistani consumer goods.
Moreover, large potential exists for Italian investment in Pakistan in sectors like tanning and leather, textiles, jewellery, marble and granite, woodworking, or food-processing. Our investment record in Pakistan, which is still limited, can certainly be enriched drawing on opportunities in these sectors and we should mention that our oil and gas giant, ENI, is one of the most prominent foreign companies operating in Pakistan.
Anyhow, in the last few years our presence has been on the increase thanks to the entry of some renowned companies such as Landi Renzo and BRC in CNG kits and ABB in the energy sector. Energy is becoming one the main focuses of our attention now, as Pakistan needs to overcome a detrimental energy crisis that Italy can help to solve drawing on its outstanding tradition in the engineering field.
I would like to conclude by expressing, on behalf of the Consulate General of Italy as a whole, the best of luck to my country, to my host country, to our nationals living in Pakistan, to all our friends for another year of improvement and progress.