President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Calls For Enhanced Pakistan-Italy Cooperation In Trade, Investment
Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani called for further strengthening Pakistan-Italy relations, specifically in trade, investment, agriculture, labour mobility, and people-to-people exchanges during a meeting with Italian Ambassador Ugo Ciarlatani on Monday.
Gilani expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for its longstanding and friendly ties with Italy, built on mutual respect and expanding cooperation. He expressed confidence in Ambassador Ciarlatani’s role in deepening these bilateral relations.
Highlights of the meeting:
- Economic Relations: Gilani noted the potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment, welcoming Italian companies already present in Pakistan and encouraging further investment in mutually beneficial sectors.
- Diplomatic Visits: He looked forward to Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister visiting Pakistan, seeing it as an opportunity to advance cooperation.
- Technical and Vocational Cooperation: Gilani acknowledged Italy’s support through initiatives like the Pakistan-Italy Textile Centre in Faisalabad and the Footwear Centre in Lahore.
- Education: He highlighted the importance of the Pakistan-Italy Memorandum of Understanding on workforce, labor migration, and mobility, and welcomed the recruitment of 10,500 skilled Pakistanis by Italy over the next three years.
- Multilateral Cooperation: Gilani thanked Italy for supporting Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025-26 and expressed Pakistan’s desire for continued coordination at international forums.
Ambassador Ciarlatani, who recently assumed his post in Islamabad, stated that his priorities will focus on further improving bilateral relations and increasing Italian investment in Pakistan.
