President Mamnoon Hussain desires Italian investment in Pakistan’s energy sector

Lahore: President Mamnoon Hussain Monday said that Italy is Pakistan’s third largest trading partner in Europe and among the top ten globally, with immense potential existing for further expansion of bilateral trade.

“Italian entrepreneurs should be encouraged to explore opportunities available in the alternative and renewable energy sector of Pakistan since Italian expertise in wind, solar and hydro electricity projects offers great scope for mutual cooperation,” he said talking to Pakistan’s ambassador-designate to Italy Nadeem Riyaz, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The President said Pakistan regarded Italy as a friend and partner and deeply valued its relations with the country both bilaterally and in the EU context.

He emphasized that Pakistan would like to see Italian companies investing in various sectors of its economy including energy, agriculture and infrastructure.

President Mamnoon underlined the need for regular exchange of business and parliamentary delegations to further strengthen bilateral relations.

He observed that there was a great scope for enhanced collaboration in the fields of education and culture between the two countries.

The President noted that Pakistani community in Italy acted as an additional link to augment bilateral relations and asked the ambassador-designate to maintain close liaison with the Pakistani diaspora and solve their problems.

He hoped that during the tenure of ambassador-designate, the bilateral relations between the two countries would further grow.

The President congratulated Nadeem Riyaz on his appointment and wished him success in discharge of his responsibilities.