Today we celebrate the 67th anniversary of the Republic of Italy, the world's leader in design and 7th largest economy. Italy is a key player in European and global political, social and economic affairs, and an important ally of Pakistan. Ever since diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1948 Italy and Pakistan have enjoyed friendly relations and share a common insight on important international issues of mutual interest.
This steadfast and ever growing association entails co-operation in economic, political and cultural domains. Over the years, Pakistan has received strong support from Italy in European Union matters as well as at other global political and economic forums. It is because of such support that in 2014, Pakistan will begin drawing benefits of Generalised System of Preferences-plus (GSP Plus) status, which will help strengthen our country economically whilstimproving its trade relations with European Union countries.
Italy is among the top ten trading partners of Pakistan, with bilateral trade of almost$1.5 billion annually2. Over the past several years, trade and other developmental activities between Pakistan and Italy haveincreased significantly. Pakistan and Italy have recently signed a Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP)3, which will prove helpful in defining existing co-operation in the political, economic, defence, cultural and development fields. The Italian government has been encouraging companies to invest in Pakistan, resulting in direct investment and joint ventures in several sectors including oil exploration, agriculture, textile machinery, and transport. Italy plans to have an Italian Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan soon. Italy is well known for its influential and innovative business economic sector, a productive and competitive agricultural sector, and for its creative and high-quality automobile, industrial, appliance and fashion design. It is a major importer of raw materials including cotton and leather, as well as textile products. In light of the current scenario, there are huge opportunities for enhancement in mutual trade between Pakistan and Italy.
As a long-standing ally, Italy extends development assistance to Pakistan in addition to the regional context of stabilisation and security. The Italian development co-operation, present in Pakistan for almost 30 years, has a portfolio worth 226 million euros of projects implemented in all sectors across the country, mainly through or in close collaboration with federal and provincial government institutions4. A private sector institution, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, has received 40 million euros for development projects in the underserved areas of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The Asia Pacific Corporation consortium from Italy has offered Pakistan replacement of existing gas meters with smart meters as well as gas leakage detection to significantly reduce losses in the in the existing gas transmission and distribution system5.
Both countries promote global peace and regional stability; they lead the 'Uniting for Consensus' group of countries which aims to reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of the UN. To support education, a number of accords are in place for scientific research and cultural co-operation between Pakistani and Italian institutions. This year, Italy co-sponsored, for the first time the 2013 edition of the Karachi Literature Festival, as an important instrument to promote education. The Italian archaeological mission in Swat has been active for over 60 years. It is accredited with the restoration of important Gandhara sites and very recently the discovery and restoration of the Udegram Mosque. Italy plans to help Pakistani archaeologists, scholars, researchers and students with the latest techniques of excavation, preservation and conservation of ancient sites. Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, and the Italian government will work together for promotion of olive farming in Pakistan, with an aim to first produce enough olive oil for domestic consumption and then for export.
Italy is home to some of the friendliest and most creative people in the world. Through their discoveries and inventions, they have left their indelible mark in the history of Europe and the world. As Honorary Consul of Italy in Lahore, it gives me great pride to represent such an industrious nation and a beautiful country. I salute this outstanding nation and wish the people of Italy success and enduring friendship on their National Day.
1Italian Chamber to set up offices in Pakistan http://tribune.com.pk/story/448831/italian-chamber-to-set-up-offices-in-pakistan-by-year-end/
2Italy among top 10 trading partners of Pakistan http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-3-164723-Italy-among-top-10-trading-partners-of-Pakistan
3 Pakistan - Italy sign SEP http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/03/09/city/karachi/pakistan-italy-sign-sep/
4Italy among top 10 trading partners of Pakistan http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-3-164723-Italy-among-top-10-trading-partners-of-Pakistan
5Italy's APC consortium offers solution to save 100BCF gashttp://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012%5C09%5C07%5Cstory_7-9-2012_pg5_4
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