By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: The Consulate of Italy in Karachi under the patronage of Embassy of Italy in Islamabad along with Italian Trade Agency and Italian Development Committee partnered with Dawn group organized the first single country multi sector conference titled ‘Italy to Pakistan’.
The half day conference covered areas of opportunities under CPEC, CNG, Automotive, sustainable and eco tourism and an industrial overview of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. The conference was followed by B2B networking.
The Consul of Italy of Italy, Honorable Ms. Anna Ruffino highlighted over sixty years of bilateral trade relations between Pakistan while addressing the audience reiterated Italy’s strong presence in various sectors not limited to textile, oil and gas, and agro food industries.
The exhibitors were present at the foyer area of Khursheed Mahal and Asia Live, Avari Hotel. The conference was open to professionals from multi sectors. The speakers comprised of H.E. Ms. Anna Ruffino, Italian Consul in Karachi who gave the welcome address, followed by opening remarks by Mr. Hameed Haroon, CEO DAWN Group. Dr. Gianpaolo Bruno, Italian Trade Commissioner for UAE, Oman and Pakistan elaborated on Pakistan Italy Trade Relations. Next, Mr. Aarij Iqbal, President Italian Development Committee elaborated on trade initiatives between Pakistan and Italy by IDC.
The next segment of the conference focused on the presentations by Italian speakers. Mr. Filippo Biancofiore, Area Sales Manager IVECO ASTRA addressed the audience about product familiarization and its role in the country’s developmental projects related to CPEC, DAM Construction and fast changing logistics needs. Mr. Francesco Ponte, Manager Sales of the CNG and H2 Automotive Division introduced Faber Light weight Gas Storage Cylinders for Pakistan NGV. The third Italian speaker of the conference was Ms. Roberta Caruso, Founder of Home 4 Creativity enlightened the audience with her initiative on Sustainable and Eco Tourism being operated in Calabria region in Italy.
The final speaker for the event was Mr. Davide Ansaloni, Internationalization Head of Modena Office at Confindustria Emilia Area Centro giving an industrial overview of Emilia Romagna region and introduced their Buyers program ‘Farete Business Forum that they offer for the Pakistani Business community through IDC.
Mr. Azeem Uqaili, CEO Sindh Economic Zone Management Company SEZMC, Government of Sindh graced the event with his valuable presence as the Chief Guest. The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Amnah Gul Muqri, Commercial section at the Italian Consulate in Karachi followed by B2B networking sessions of the local companies with the speakers.
On the side lines of the conference, local and Italian companies participated as exhibitors to introduce and promote their affiliation with Italy and to highlight the strong Italian presence in Pakistan in various industries.
