Message from Honorary Consul General of Italy in Lahore

Italy, called the belpaese (beautiful country) by many, is well known and well loved around the world. Italian cuisine, pizza and pasta, Italian fashion brands Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace, and Italian supercars Ferrari and Lamborghini have admirers in a multitude of countries. Italy has an unparalleled cultural heritage and a landscape that is a combination of historic cities, stunning coastlines, and remote wildernesses. It's historic treasures and artistic masterpieces have been enticing travellers for centuries.
In a fondly remembered visit to an industrial establishment in Milan, I was pleasantly surprised to see the passion and ingenuity of the people there, especially the channelling of this creative energy resulting in world-class products and services. My first hand experiences with Italian technology and technical expertise have been excellent: an Italian consultant helped manage our Lawrencepur textile units while Ansaldo Energia turbine generators are in use at our Hub Power plant. Being fiercely passionate is a trait we share with the Italian people, getting inspiration from their successes will help us to channel this vigor to propel Pakistan on the path of progress. Another very important area we share is a rich history and culture, dating back thousands of years. I firmly believe that these similarities can bring the people of Pakistan and Italy closer together.
Italy gives great importance to its cultural heritage; it has also been helping Pakistan in preserving and restoration of heritage sites here. The Italian archaeological mission in Swat has been active over the last 60 years. Its recent achievements include restoration of the Swat museum, which was recently reopened to public. It helps Pakistani archaeologists, scholars, researchers and students with the latest techniques of excavation, preservation and conservation of ancient sites. The Italian Government has recently initiated the Multan Walled City project for restoration of heritage structures there. Approximately 400 historical and archaeological sites have till now been documented by Italians in Pakistan.
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 cooperation in economic, political and cultural domains. Over the years, Pakistan has received strong support from Italy in European Union matters as well as other global political and economic forums.
Italy is among the top ten trading partners of Pakistan, with bilateral trade of almost $1.5 billion annually. In 2013, Pakistan and Italy signed a Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP), which has been helpful in defining ongoing cooperation in the political, economic, defence, cultural and developments fields between the two countries. 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. The two countries are currently in discussions regarding energy infrastructure, LNG supply, and renewable energy, areas Italy has considerable expertise in. A number of Italian energy firms have shown interest in investing in Pakistan.
Both Pakistan and Italy share the same vision of global peace and regional stability; they lead the 'Uniting for Consensus' group of countries in order to find a shared solution that would reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of the UN. To support education, a number of accords are in place for scientific research and cultural cooperation between Pakistani and Italian institutions. In May, Italy committed technical assistance of 20 million euros for ongoing olive plantation projects in Pakistan.
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 General of Italy in Lahore, it gives me great pride to represent such an energetic and scenic country. In closing, I wish to say, Congratulazioni per Festa della Repubblica! (Congratulations on Republic Day!).