On the 69th anniversary of the National Day of Italy, a Republic as young as Pakistan, born and moulded over a two thousand-year long history of civilisations, I am honoured to address the readers of this prestigious newspaper. I avail myself of this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation for the incomparable sense of hospitality of the Pakistani people. Thanks to their cordiality and their generosity, a huge city like Karachi has easily become a warm and welcoming home for me, and all the Consular staff.
This year will also mark the 68th anniversary of the independence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, a Country looking forward to the implementation of new reforms, modernisation and political stability for the well being of its rich multiethnic and multicultural society through the efforts carried out by the Government leaders of Pakistan. Italy strongly supports all the efforts of the Government leaders of Pakistan, heading towards freedom and democracy.
As also H.E. Ms Tehmina Janjua, Ambassador of Pakistan in Rome, pointed out, even if Pakistan and Italy are apparently so different, they do share many affinities. Furthermore, I am pleased to note that the connections between the two Countries are increasing and consolidating as never before.
Italy is currently the EU third commercial partner of Pakistan, coming after only to United Kingdom and Germany. Italian interests stretch itself in Pakistan from the energy to many other industrial sectors such as textiles, high technology, chemicals, defence, fertilisers, transports, agro-based industry, tanning and leather, jewellery, marble and granite, woodworking, know-how (?) and food processing, just to mention a few.
ENI is the main oil foreign company actually operating in this Country, however, there are many more Italian companies represented in Pakistan operating their own factories. In Karachi, in particular, there are two main companies: Landirenzo leader in LPG and CNG production system for automotive technology and MAXCO, which produces clothes and fashion.
Many Italian textile and leathergoods companies delocalized their production in Pakistan to the point where the flow of Italian businessmen coming and going from Pakistan is one of the more relevant, according to the statistics released by Pakistani Authorities.
Eventhough Italy's economic structure shows that a vast potential exists for Italian investment in Pakistan in sectors like the ones mentioned above, unfortunately Italian investment in Pakistan does not yet match up to such huge potential. Italy has a vast experience in the fields of agriculture and food processing and it can provide expertise, know-how and technology through research institutes and companies. Italy is currently looking into this markets in a more decisive way, with a view of enpowering Pakistan to strengthen their industries.
Italy is present in Pakistan with the co-operation projects carried out through Italian NGOs and contributions to UN Agencies. Relations between Italy and Pakistan are not only limited to the commercial and economic sectors, they also expand and incorporate a cultural component. Italy is supporting the Centre of Italian Language and Culture at the University of Karachi through its Italian language classes.
Furthermore, joined with Pakistan and France, Italy runs an interdisciplinary research work on the Archeological and Historical Project of Banbhore, whose result are regarded as one of the most important in this area by the international community. With its unique experience in archaeology, Italy plays a major role in other Pakistani archeological sites, sharing knowledge and training with young Pakistani archaeologists to discover the invaluable past of this Country. The Pakistani community in Italy is the biggest one in Europe after the United Kingdom, however if the connection with UK can be easily found in the past of this Country, Pakistani choose to move to Italy as they find the homelike environment, warmth, generosity and respect for family and traditions similar to their own. This proves again that Italy and Pakistan share many affinities and values. I would like to conclude by expressing, on behalf of the Consulate 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.