Italian Consul General Aims to Expand Trade with Pakistan

KARACHI: The Consul General of Italy in Karachi, Fabrizio Bielli, has called for a significant increase in trade between Italy and Pakistan, proposing to double the current trade volume to $3 billion in the upcoming years. During a visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Bielli outlined the economic potential of Karachi and the opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and industrial machinery.

Bielli, who assumed his role as Consul General two months ago, emphasized the importance of joint ventures in the pharmaceutical sector and suggested that Italian expertise could play a pivotal role in supporting Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure. He also urged KCCI to produce a comprehensive sectoral requirement report to facilitate Italian businesses in identifying opportunities in Pakistan.

Zia ul Arfeen, Senior Vice President of KCCI, highlighted Italy’s role as a significant trading partner within the European Union and noted that bilateral trade exceeded $1.6 billion in FY24, with a favorable trade balance for Pakistan. Arfeen pointed to recent global trade challenges, such as increased US tariffs, as opportunities for Italy and Pakistan to deepen their economic ties.

The meeting also discussed the potential for adopting Italian practices in sustainability and engineering to enhance Pakistan’s textile and automotive sectors. Arfeen underscored the strategic advantages of Pakistan’s location and resources, suggesting that Italian companies could benefit from investment opportunities in projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Both Bielli and Arfeen expressed optimism about future collaborations, with Bielli inviting KCCI members to utilize the resources of the Italian Trade Promotion Section to strengthen economic relations between the two countries.