RAWALPINDI: Italian ambassador Adriano Chiodi Cianfarani on Wednesday said both countries should diversify trade.

The envoy said this in a meeting with the business community of Potohar region at Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

The RCCI acting president Mian Humayun Parvez, 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.  

Adriano Chiodi Cianfarani said Pakistan had 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 Italy could provide latest machinery to Pakistan for drilling, cutting and finishing gem stone.

He stressed the need of direct contact between the business communities of both sides and ensured his full cooperation in this regard.

He said that his country had assisted Pakistan in energy projects.

The ambassador said textile exports to Italy had increased after Pakistan got GSP Plus status and it would be further improved with the passage of time.

The RCCI acting president Mian Humayun Parvez said that Italy was an important trade partner and trade volume between Pakistan and Italy was $1.5million which needed to be enhanced.

He said Pakistan’s major exports to Italy included leather, textile, cotton and oil seed while major imports were machinery and electrical goods.

RCCI is interested in holding a made-in-Pakistan expo in Italy to promote its goods in Italian markets and establish a linkage with their Italian counterparts. Italian envoy ensured his full cooperation in this regard.

Published in Dawn January 15th , 2015

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