Karachi, April 9, 2025 — Italy has expressed a strong desire to significantly enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation with Pakistan, with an ambitious target to double the current bilateral trade volume to US$3 billion in the coming years.
This commitment was reaffirmed by Fabrizio Bielli, Consul General of Italy in Karachi, during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI).
Highlighting Karachi’s strategic importance, Bielli described it as a hub of immense economic potential, stating that Italy sees substantial opportunities in sectors such as energy, agriculture, water recycling, industrial machinery, and healthcare. “Italy is well-positioned to support Pakistan, particularly in its textile and medical equipment sectors,” he said, citing Italy’s global reputation for producing high-quality textile machinery and cutting-edge medical technologies.
Bielli emphasized the value of joint ventures, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, suggesting that manufacturing Italian pharmaceutical products in Pakistan could enhance health sector capacity while deepening bilateral trade. He encouraged KCCI to share a sectoral requirements report three times a year to help Italian businesses identify relevant opportunities in Pakistan.
He also invited Pakistan’s business community to utilize the Italian Trade Promotion Section’s services at the Consulate, aimed at fostering business-to-business links, especially among small and medium enterprises. “More than a window, a door is open at the Italian Consulate,” Bielli said. “Let’s work together to unlock the true potential of Pakistan-Italy economic ties.”
Senior Vice President of KCCI, Zia ul Arfeen, welcomed the initiative and noted that the European Union remains Pakistan’s largest export destination. Among EU nations, Italy has emerged as a key trade partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $1.6 billion in FY24. Of this, Pakistan’s exports to Italy totaled $1.12 billion, reflecting a trade surplus in Pakistan’s favor.
Zia stressed that despite the challenges posed by global tariff tensions, this is an opportune moment for Pakistan and Italy to strengthen ties through economic diplomacy. He urged both countries to collaborate in areas like renewable energy, water treatment, and circular economy practices to enhance Pakistan’s industrial sustainability.
With a population of over 241 million, rich natural resources, and its location along key trade routes, Pakistan offers vast investment potential. Zia encouraged Italian businesses to explore opportunities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), especially in mining, tourism, IT, and agriculture.
Both sides agreed that enhanced public-private partnerships and cultural exchanges could boost tourism, drive economic growth, and elevate Pakistan-Italy relations to new heights.