The visiting Chairman Italian Industries Federation for Airspace, Defence and Security on Tuesday called on Ministers for Commerce, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan and Minister for Industries and Production, Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi and discussed issues of mutual interest.
Talking to the Chairman Italian Industries Federation, the Commerce Minister said that the western part of Pakistan will be the hub of international investment in the near future with the development and connectivity projects linking south and Central Asia. This will provide innumerable opportunities of economic engagement for the technologically advanced countries to invest in Pakistan and the region.
Guido informed the meeting that the Italian companies with higher technological value are keen to expand and deepen civil and military cooperation between the two countries. He was of the view that Italian companies are not only interested in investments in Pakistan but will facilitate the complete transfer of technology in the field of aerospace and security. He said that the Italian companies are participating in the IDEAS 2016 in a big way and are expecting boost in strategic cooperation. He saw Pakistan's key position in the Islamic world and South Asia to become the launching pad for Italian companies to expand in these regions.
Minister appreciated the Italian Government's conscious decision to choose Pakistan as the strategic partner in the region. He said that the time is ripe to invest in Pakistan as the recently achieved peace and stability coupled with the economic stability will result in making Pakistan as the bridge between South and Central Asia and Middle East and China.
Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo informed that Italian Prime Minister, Commerce and Defense Minister will be visiting Pakistan in the coming months to explore new avenues of Government-to-Government and private sector cooperation. Talking to the Italian delegation Minister for Industries and Production said that Pakistan is looking for strengthening of relations with Italy. He said that the economy of Pakistan is progressing and initiatives taken by the present democratic government have created investment friendly environment in Pakistan for the international community to invest especially in Industries, Production and Infrastructure developments. 'Industrial corporation mutual trade and people to people contact may be increased for strengthening of bilateral relations' 'he added. The automobile industry was also discussed in the meeting and the Italian ambassador shared with the Minister the promotion of Italian auto companies in Pakistan.