Chairman, PHMA Foreign Relation / Trade Delegation Sub-Committee
We tried to evaluate the reason of success of Italy as to "HOW ITALIANS HAVE THIS LEVEL OF PROGRESS". We understood, while studying from "The Italians" by Luigi Barzini openly admitted that "This was never an easy country to reduce under one Rule". The Italians have followed the teaching of Roman Empire when Cicero Marcus Tullus, has said one Hundred Years before Christ (100BC) following golden words.
"THE WISEMAN ARE INSTRUCTED BY REASON, MAN OF LESSER UNDERSTANDING BY OBSERVATION, FOOLS BY MISTAKE AND BEAST BY NATURE" The real intelligent people have to learn these basic principles the concept of Fashion of clothing, shoes or painting but intelligent Italians have done it differently and earned reputation.
Their all innovative Fashion ideas are supported by reason of appeal and they proudly claim that it is Italian Fashion's invisible touch that control business from Tokyo to Hollywood.
What is now being observed is merely about five Decads of hard work with the philosophy of La Bella Figura means "The Beautiful Figure / Style of Life" but is actually a way of life emphasising beauty, good image, esthetics and proper behaviour - is also loyalty to their family, friends, neighbours and business partners. Behaving properly, appropriately and respectfully is crucial to maintaining the right air of Bella Figura both in family situations and well as in the business world. It is believed that practising La Bella Figura enhances beauty and peace in the world.
These are two basic Old-Age principle of wisdom that has made Italians strong enough economically. If we look at the present state of the Italian economy it is the sixth largest market economy of the world with over $475 Billion (FOB) value export during 2007 with mix up of 85% manufactured goods including high precision machineries, Mechanical Products, Textile & Apparel, Chemical and complicated with off course finished for high Fashion Apparel.
Italy is replete with a rich history and geographically a beautiful country. Italy is largely homogeneous linguistically and religiously but is diverse, culturally, economically and politically. Italy has the fifth highest population density in the European Union (60 million). With a powerful economic base, Italy is a member of G-8 and a founding member of the European Union. While most of the neighbouring EU countries are lacking foreign direct investment, there is high investment and opportunities in Italy. as per the "Christian Science Monitor of UK" of 31st October, 2008.
"Distinctions in rank have little effect in Italy - a man living on an income of fifteen hundred francs speaks to a man who has an income of six million as simply as he would be an equal. this would be thought incredible in England".
Surprisingly, no adverts affect of Chinese competition is experience mainly due to its technological expertise and Extreme Fashion. Glaring economic data of Italy shows that its SBP (Standard Buying Power) is US $995, higher than even Great Britain US $960. Italy is a 40% of size and population of Pakistan. This is perhaps a telling factor, which shows how they have achieved grass root democracy and efficiency in administration and made their bureaucracy responsive to masses.
The present state of economy is simply amazing as till end of World War-II, Italy was agricultural based economy and that too heavily suffered by divesting war and domestic's political turmoil. Not only this, with only Six Decades of Democratic History, it has come to enjoy reputation of "Politically Mature" society. In Italy Prime Minister cannot dismiss Ministers without forming a new Government. This is perhaps worth implementing for us here in Pakistan.
Last but not least Italians keep on discuss in Railway, Side Walk Café, "WHY ARE WE THE WAY WE ARE". This open minded Italians instinctively agree that some habits, distinguishing quality, tendencies and practices are unmistakably their own. They call them "Cose All, Italiana" and these words are pronounced some time proudly and with affection.
Italian born famous film Director, Frank Capra had rightly said "DON'T FOLLOW TRENDS, START TRENDS". This study of Fashion Phobia of Italians are need to be applied here too in Pakistan whether in Garments or Jeans, because it is now more then established fact in business that,
"NOTHING MOVES FASTER THAN FASHION" Italy can act as a Role Model for Pakistan where we have hardworking people with loyalty. Italy can provide its expertise of Apparel Fashion Technology to our valued-member exporters through our Technical Institute and establish joint ventures in Apparel Sector.