Italian Trade Agency office to be set up in Islamabad: Envoy.

ISLAMABAD -- Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Andreas Ferrarese yesterday said that Italian Trade Agency (ICE) office will be established in Islamabad and assignment of the first Italian Trade Director to Pakistan would enhance trade cooperation between the two countries.

'I am pleased to share with you exciting news; that is the establishment of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) office in Islamabad and the assignment of the first Italian Trade Director to Pakistan would be a major step towards enhanced trade cooperation between the two countries', the ambassador said in his message on the upcoming celebration of 77th anniversary of the Republic Day, National Day of Italy.

'We shall continue to explore the avenues with a focus on agriculture, renewable energy, textiles, construction and tourism. Collaboration in the fields of textiles, agriculture, livestock, marble, pharmaceuticals, and mass manufacturing will help enhance Pakistan's industrial scope and increase exports of value: added goods,' he added.

The ambassador further said that the fifth Italy: Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) took place on May 29: 30 in Rome, where the two sides agreed to establish a joint framework to deal with climate change and cooperation in water management.

He said both sides signed an important 'Roadmap for Cooperation' which covered climate change, trade and investment, heritage and culture, agriculture, technical cooperation, higher education, and transfer of technology in related sectors.

'Italy remains among the top ten exporting countries for Pakistan in the world, and the third major trade partner in the EU. Both our countries are in favour of trade liberalisation scheme at the World Trade Organisation and contest the idea of unilateralism,' he said.

The ambassador said with a population of around 240 million, and a constantly growing demand for high: end products, Pakistan continues to be an attractive market for Italian companies and businesses.

Some renowned Italian companies have established their presence in the Pakistani market lately, he added. He said that in addition to economic affairs, Italy remained active in community uplift projects and several fruitful programs in various fields had been accomplished in Pakistan.

'Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has supported several projects in fields of agriculture, health, and infrastructure in diverse regions of the country. We are excited to see the initial success of the...