our staff reporter
RAWALPINDI
Italian Ambassador Adriano Chiodi Cianfarani said that his country was the ninth largest exporter and 14th largest importers of Pakistan in the world.
Italy has also assisted Pakistan in energy projects worth Rs 14 billion and also offered technical assistance to overcome energy crunch. He said that textile exports of Pakistan to Italy have increased after GSP Plus status and it would be further improved with the passage of time.
The Ambassador was exchanging these views with the acting President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Mian Humayun Parvez during his visit to Chamber on Wednesday.
First Secretary, Head of Economic, Cultural and Press Office Ms Elena Claudia Di Vito, former presidents RCCI Amanullah Khan, Hussain Ahmed Ozgun, Syed Ali Raza Saeed Shah, leaders of trade associations Sheikh Hafeez, Ch.Iqbal and other members were also present on the occasion. Ambassador said that both countries should explore other sectors to enhance bilateral trade volume. He was of the view that Pakistan has great potential in gems and precious stone but owing to lack of technology and modern techniques Pakistan was losing a great part of its revenue. He said that Italy could provide latest machinery for drilling, cutting and finishing to boost the Pakistan gems sector. He stressed the need of direct relations of the business community of both sides and ensured his full cooperation in this regard.
Speaking on the occasion acting President Mian Humayun Parvez said that Italy was an important trade partner and trade volume between Pakistan and Italy was $1.5m which needs to be enhanced.
He said that Pakistan major exports to Italy include Leather, textile, and cotton and oil seed while major exports were machinery and electrical goods. RCCI was interested to hold a single country Made in Pakistan expo in Italy to promote Pakistani goods in Italian markets and establish a linkage with their Italian counterparts. H.E Adriano Chiodi Cianfarani ensured his full cooperation in this regard.