ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Ambassador of Italy in Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo has said that his country was keen to invest in Pakistan in various sectors especially cooperation in developing agro-based industry.
The Italian Ambassador held a meeting with Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform, Ahsan Iqbal and said that Pakistan could benefit from the expertise of Italy in agro-based industry.
Pakistan had launched Olive Cultivation Project this year.
Thereby, Italy’s assistance would be critical in making this project a success.
Various issues pertaining to mutual interests, cooperation and bilateral relations were discussed.
They exchanged views on matters related to bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and education fields.
They agreed to strengthen the bilateral ties through enhanced cooperation in these areas.
The Minister said that Pakistan would welcome Italian cooperation in social, economic, education and technological areas.
He maintained that Italy could also assist Pakistan in creating value-chain for different crops for export purpose.
He said that human resource development was one of challenges Pakistan faced today that was critical for sustainable economic growth.
“We need 10,000 Phds in next ten years to expand higher education in the country. Italy can help Pakistan providing access to Pakistani scholars and students to its universities,” he added.
The Minister briefed the Italian envoy on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which would serve as platform for regional connectivity of three billion people.
He said that Pakistan was an open and liberal market that offered equal opportunities.
“We aim to make Pakistan a manufacturing hub that would ultimately provide employment opportunities to the people not only in Pakistan but across the region at large.”
Source: APP
