By Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan
Pakistan and Italy enjoy cordial relations. Bilateral relations encompass a wide range, including political, diplomatic, trade, economic, defense, education, etc.
Italy is one of the significant investors in Pakistan. It has extended Pakistan US$100 million under the Pakistan Italian Debt for Development Swap Agreement to social development projects in health, education, and sanitation, in Pakistan. The Italian Government has agreed to provide a credit line equivalent to $10 billion for Italian investors keen to invest in Pakistan and has also supported Pakistan’s bid for a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the EU. Italy supports a free trade agreement with Pakistan within the European Union and extends diplomatic and political support to Pakistan at various international forums.
Over 150,000 Pakistanis are living in Italy and contributing toward the socio-economic development of Italy. Most of them are skilled workers, and some of them are highly qualified professionals. A vast community of young students also serves Italy as a competitive workforce in their Industry and economic sectors.
Pakistan maintains an embassy in Rome and a Consulate-General in Milan, Whereas Italy keeps an embassy in Islamabad, a Consulate-General in Karachi, and an honorary consulate in Lahore. Italy has been a critical participant in Pakistan’s scientific contribution to the world, and both countries established the International Conference on Astrophysics and Relativity in 2011.
In a matter of fact, Pakistan is rich in natural resources. Its population of 220 million, out of which 70% are youth under the age of 40, a very productive workforce. English is a widely spoken language, and its education system is inherited from Britain. Both countries are complementing each other and benefiting from each other’s strengths.
Italy would establish a gemstones training institute in Baltistan to exploit these areas’ potential and enhance mutual cooperation between both countries. This was stated by Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan Andreas Ferrarese while talking to Chairman Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Qurban Ali. Pakistan is blessed with an abundance of precious stones, and almost all types of gems are found in Pakistan, except diamonds. Some of them are rare and unique in nature. But due to lack of appropriate technology, mainly exported as raw. Value addition is required by advanced technology and training. Italy has such capabilities, especially, Italy is known for its unique designs. The subject training institute is vital for Pakistan to exploit its Gem and Jewelry industry, which worth around US Dollars 10 billion annually.
He said Italy wants to start a new era of economic and trade cooperation with Pakistan through the transfer of technology and up-gradation of Pakistan’s textile industry.
“We were considering to be established a training institute to promote the gems and jewelry and gemstone industry in Gilgit-Baltistan to promote trade and investment opportunities in these areas,” he added.
He said that currently, Italy was providing technical assistance to Pakistan in agriculture and textiles industry up-gradation through modern machinery, value addition in agriculture, leather, and marble sectors.
Pakistan was also expanding its cooperation in agricultural items, including dairy, livestock, olive and olive products, processed food, and the Italian market’s construction sector.
The Ambassador further said that dairy and livestock, olive and olive products, plastics, processed food, and the construction sector were the areas where Italy could extend its cooperation with Pakistan.
It is expected that by enhanced cooperation, both Italy and Pakistan can be benefit and improve their economy. There exists a vast potential for collaboration, and a strong will on both sides is very much visible. Both nations are committed, based on mutual interest, to promote cooperation.
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.
Image Credit: Reuters