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MULTAN, Jan 26 (APP):Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Ms Marilina Armellin termed Multan an emerging destination trade and investment and said that Pakistan particularly south Punjab can benefit from Italian expertise in varied sectors, including textiles, modern agriculture and irrigation technologies.
During her visit to the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), the Italian envoy highlighted the need for further improvement in relations between the two countries.
She said that Multan holds significant promise for business and investment. She said, Italy has advanced expertise in textile machinery, packaging, modern agricultural technology and irrigation systems, which could greatly benefit Pakistan, especially South Punjab’s agriculture and industry. She also informed the participants that Italy has established a visa facilitation center in Multan to further promote trade and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
The Italian ambassador also visited a special stall showcasing hand embroidery and purses and she was presented an honorary shield of the chamber by former FPCCI president Mian Tanveer A. Sheikh.
The MCCI president and his wife presented blue pottery and antique jewelry as souvenirs to the Italian ambassador, MCCI spokesman said in a statement on Monday.
MCCI President Mian Bakhtawar Tanveer Sheikh highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral trade and cultural ties between Pakistan and Italy, with a special focus on Multan’s growing economic potential.
Upon her arrival at the chamber, the Italian ambassador was warmly received by MCCI President Mian Bakhtawar Tanveer Sheikh, Vice President Azhar Baloch, besides senior members of the chamber.
Speaking on the occasion, MCCI president said that South Punjab, particularly Multan was a fertile and resource-rich region with vast agricultural and industrial capabilities. He informed the ambassador that the region was a major producer of cotton, wheat and oilseeds and serves as an important hub for the textile industry. He also highlighted Multan’s strong potential in pesticides, fertilizers, food manufacturing, poultry feed, blue pottery, camel skin products and handicrafts. The presence of an international airport has further enhanced the city’s trade and connectivity, he added.
He specifically mentioned Multan’s cottage industry and hand embroidery that have earned a unique identity at the global level. Bakhtawar Tanweer noted that Pakistan was a peace-loving country and the chamber was actively playing its role in promoting trade in a peaceful environment, adding that global linkages are essential for sustainable national development.
Former FPCCI president Mian Tanveer A. Sheikh spoke on opportunities in the textile and machinery sectors, while former MCCI president Khawaja Muhammad Usman proposed cooperation in technical education and suggested signing a sister chambers MoU between the Multan and Rome chambers of commerce.
Former vice president Sheikh Muhammad Asim Saeed, Vice President Azhar Baloch, Ms. Sidra Bakhtawar, Convener Women Wing Ms. Romana Tanveer Sheikh, and former president Mian Rashid Iqbal highlighted the potential of IT and freelancing, discussed pharmaceuticals, spoke on vocational training, role of women entrepreneurs and the importance of hand embroidery. They suggested launching English versions of Italian companies’ websites and starting online Italian language classes.
Italian Ambassador’s husband Domenico Poloni, the first trade secretary of the Italian embassy in Islamabad, secretary general MCCI Muhammad Shafiq and Ali Imran were also present.