Islamabad, Apr 10, 2025: Italian Consul General Fabrizio Bielli has underscored the importance of deepening economic, commercial, and investment relations between Italy and Pakistan, with a bold yet attainable vision to double bilateral trade to over $3 billion in the coming years.
During his recent visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), he emphasized Karachi’s dynamic potential and the pivotal role it plays in Pakistan’s economy.
Bielli pointed out that vast untapped opportunities exist across diverse industries such as clean energy, agricultural innovation, industrial automation, and water recycling technologies.
“Italy stands out as a world leader in precision manufacturing, particularly in textile machinery and high-grade medical equipment. These capabilities can help Pakistan strengthen its health and industrial infrastructure,” said the Italian Consul General.
The envoy, who assumed office just two months ago, expressed strong interest in fostering collaborations with Karachi’s business community and exploring viable avenues for mutual growth.
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He highlighted the pharmaceutical sector as a key area for partnership, proposing the development of joint ventures to manufacture Italian pharma products locally.
To support strategic engagement, Bielli encouraged KCCI to share a detailed sectoral needs report thrice annually, which would help Italian institutions align their business interests with Pakistan’s emerging sectors.
He also urged businesses to utilize the Italian Trade Promotion Section’s services, which actively supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in building cross-border alliances.
“Think of the Consulate not just as a window, but as a gateway to greater economic synergy,” the Italian Consul General stated. “Together, we can unlock new pathways to prosperity.”
KCCI’s Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen noted that the European Union remains Pakistan’s largest export destination, with Italy playing a key role.
In FY24, bilateral trade surpassed $1.6 billion, with Pakistan exporting goods worth $1.12 billion to Italy.
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With shifting global trade dynamics, particularly due to rising U.S. tariffs, Zia sees a unique opportunity for Pakistan to expand its engagement with Italy.
He emphasized embracing Italy’s strengths in green technologies, circular economy models, and advanced engineering to boost Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets.
Additionally, initiatives like CPEC and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) offer Italian investors streamlined entry into high-potential sectors such as tourism, mining, agriculture, and information technology, paving the way for long-term partnerships and economic transformation.
