ISLAMABAD: Italy has establishment a dedicated Trade Attaché Office in its embassy to enhance trade volume with Pakistan.

This was stated by Italian Ambassador Marilina Armellin while addressing members of Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries on Thursday.

The ambassador called for encouraging cooperation between the two countries in education and climate change sectors and asked Pakistani investors to utilise the potentials of GSP plus through joint ventures with Italian companies in textile sector.

She highlighted the trade potential between Pakistan and Italy and stressed for cooperation in economic sectors. She also introduced Italian Trade Commissioner Dr Salvatore Parano, who accompanied her, and said the establishment of a dedicated trade attaché office at the Italian embassy would help increase bilateral trade volume between the two countries.

Ms Armellin, who recently took charge as the mission head in Pakistan, acknowledged that she was relatively new in Pakistan and was still studying the country’s potential areas especially in the light of extension of Pakistan’s GSP Plus status.

She also encouraged Pakistani students to take up higher studies in Italy.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Parano said both countries enjoyed cordial economic relations, but there was still a need to strengthen ties. She spoke about the investment policies, tourism potential and educational system in Italy.

Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries PresidentSajjad Sarwar shared the similarities between both countries and said the small and medium enterprises (SME) of Pakistan had to learn from the SMEs of Italy.

Chairperson Diplomatic Affairs Committee of Islamabad chamber for small traders Syeda Wajida Saleemgave a brief recap about the trade figures and existing agreements and MOUs between Italy and Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2024