Pakistan and Italy Agree to Enhance Economic Cooperation Islamabad:February, 3rd, 2023

Government of Pakistan
Ministry of Economic Affairs

PRESS RELEASE

Federal Secretary of Economic Affairs Division Dr. Kazim Niaz held a meeting with Director General Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Rome Mr. Luca Maestripieri  along with Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan Mr. Andreas Ferrarese at Economic Affairs today. Senior official representatives from both sides attended the meeting.

Director General of Italian Agency for Development Cooperation Mr. Luca Maestripieri shared during the meeting that Government of the Italian Republic aims to work with the Government of Pakistan to enhance economic cooperation with a focus on enhancing economic assistance through development projects.  He further added that “Pakistan is a very important country for us, and, we will continue to engage with the Government of Pakistan through our economic cooperation”.

Furthermore, it was stated that government of Italy is placing special focus on enhancing the people to people contacts between both countries. For this reason, prime priority is being given to establishing and developing the linkages between the universities, government institutions and trade bodies of both the countries. The development projects in various areas will further strengthen and boost the ties between both countries.

The Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan Mr Andreas Ferrarese apprised that the Government of Italy is soon opening the office of Italian Trade Agency which will enhance the trade relationship between Pakistan and Italy.

Dr Kazim Niaz, the Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs appreciated the Government of Italy’s pledge in the Resilient Pakistan Conference, Geneva. He further acknowledged the Government of Italy’s continuous support to Pakistan for economic development activities in Pakistan which include olive culture value chain; Economic Transformation Initiative in Gilgit Baltistan; Command Area Development work of Kaitu Weir Project Kurram Tangi Dam; and Establishment of Heritage Field Schools for preservation of cultural heritage. While acknowledging the vital role of Italian economic assistance in the socio-economic development of the people of Pakistan, the Secretary MoEA sought the support of Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in the development of tourism sector.

The Director General along with his delegation Mr Stefano Glinianski, Director Assessment Unit, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr Grancesco Capeccbi, Director General for Development Cooperation, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is visiting Pakistan. During their visit they will go to Lahore and Gilgit for meetings with Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan and Chairman Planning and Development Board Punjab.