Italy wants private sector partnership

LAHORE: Pakistan is the most important country of Asia with a bright future, a diplomat said on Saturday.

Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecoryo advised the private sector to do “economic miracles” to maintain close liaison with their Italian counterparts.

During a meeting with Pakistan Stone Development Company (PSDC) Director and former EC member of the LCCI Chaudhry Khadim Hussain, the ambassador said Italian businessmen see Pakistan as an emerging market and are keen to make investment and joint ventures in various economic sectors. There is a huge business potential in the two countries that should be tapped, he said, and urged the businessmen to constitute a sector-specific business delegation for Italy to explore trade and investment opportunities.

Pontecoryo said that there is a vast scope for joint ventures in energy, pharmaceutical, agro infrastructure, automobile, textile and marble sectors.

The PSDC director appreciated Italian support to Pakistan within the EU with special reference to trade-related issues.

Pakistan attaches highest importance to its relations with Italy, he said, adding that the climate for foreign investors in Pakistan is conducive. Despite ups and down and other problems, not a single foreign investor has suffered in Pakistan, he added.