The Consulate of Italy in Karachi organized the anniversary of the Italian Republic at Avari Towers in Karachi. The chief guest of the evening was Hon. Minster Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh. The event was attended by many diplomats, notable businessmen, artists, and government officials from Karachi. The Consul General of Italy, Mr. Danilo Giurdanella appreciated the friendship and closeness of Pakistani people and the growing relations between Italy and Pakistan in all sectors.
The event was attended by Hon. Chief Minister Sindh, Murad Ali Shah; Acting Governor of Sindh, Agha Siraj Durrani; Minister for Health, Ms. Azra Pechuho; Rear Admiral Mian Zakirullah Jan, Commander Karachi; Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, MD Shipyard & EW; Sector Commander Rizwan; Mr. Iqbal Memon, Commissioner Karachi and other distinguished government officials.
He thanked all the partners and sponsors for their support and cooperation in celebrating the Festa della Repubblica in Karachi being celebrated after two years. The Consul General spoke about the increasing economic and trade relations. In 2021-2022, Pakistan’s exports of goods and services to Italy witnessed an increase of 35.58% during the first three quarters of the fiscal year. The imports from Italy increased by 98.32%. On month-on-month basis, the imports from Italy surged 47.31% in March 2022 as compared to the exports of $58.323 million in February.
The Consul paid homage to the services of Late Madam Bilquis Edhi and the Edhi Foundation. He posthumously awarded the Order of the Star of Italy to Late Mrs. Edhi, which was received on her behalf by her son, Mr. Faisal Edhi. It is indeed a proud moment for all citizens of Pakistan that the Edhi Foundation is known as one of the greatest philanthropist and humanitarian organization abroad and not only in Pakistan.
On this auspicious occasion, Consul Giurdanella was pleased to inform the audience that the Italian Development Committee, an independent trade body working to promote bilateral engagement between the two countries has officially been recognized as a full Italian Chamber of Commerce effectively functioning since 2009. It is a great moment to cherish the long standing commitment and engagement of Italy in Pakistan. It will further pave the way for enhanced cooperation in trade and economic segments between Italy and Pakistan. Italy is keen to develop deeper cooperation not only in economic and cultural field but is also working to strengthen ties in the field of education, health, social sector development and interfaith harmony.
Hon. Min. Murad Ali Shah congratulated the Consul General on the Republic Day of Italy. Italy and Pakistan enjoy cordial relations and cooperation in political, economic, cultural and social spheres. Italy has strong presence in industrial machinery & technology. It is one of the leading supplier of machinery in the textile, pharmaceutical, agriculture, dairy, food processing, leather & footwear, packaging, energy sector etc. from Europe. Many industries in Sindh have close economic and commercial ties with Italy. On yearly basis, the imports from Italy have increased by 98.23% by going up from $43.320 million during March 2021 against the exports of $85.916 million in March 2022.
Both Italy and Sindh boast of ancient civilization and history. In Sindh, Italy is working very closely in the field of archaeology and preservation of cultural heritage sites for more than a decade. The government of Sindh reassures of its cooperation and support with Italy to the fullest and looks forward to enhance bilateral engagement between the two countries. Honorable Chief Minister thanked Consul General of Italy and the Italian government for recognizing the efforts EDHI Foundation – one of the largest humanitarian organization in Pakistan and honoring them with the second highest civilian award of Italy.
The Vice Consul, Mr. Enrico Alfonso Ricciardi thanked the guests for their wholehearted participation to celebrate the Italian Republic Day in Karachi. He thanked all partners, sponsors, collaborators and media personnel for their collaboration to make this event a success. He praised the architectural uniqueness of Karachi and the peculiar hospitality of its population. Karachi is a city full of hidden treasures. It is not a fake city, but a universe with heart and soul. To commemorate the strong cultural ties between the two countries, the paintings of Barrister Sarah Asim Khan, an emerging artist promoting Cultural Diplomacy through her vibrant artwork were displayed to encourage new talent along with the showcasing the award winning work of Mr. Ali Abbas, an internationally acclaimed watercolor artist, whose paintings have won him accolades in Italy.
