She said that Pakistan was given priority by Italians because it is a very interesting market for the Italian investors. She said Italy can also provide expertise in many fields such as agriculture, waste-management, clothes, food, leather and marbles etc.
Ms Anna expressed hope that the opportunities and potential between Pakistan and Italy will grow in the coming years. "As many as 76 percent of Pakistan's textile and clothing are exported to European Union which shows that it is a potential market for the Italian textile machinery, as well," she said, adding that My Karachi Exhibition, scheduled to be held in April, will be a good opportunity for ITA to share information about Italian companies through this exhibition.
In response to concerns expressed over issuance of visas, she said, the Italian Embassy and Consulate have a very pro-business approach in issuing business visas. She said if you fulfill the criteria, provide all the required documentation and if you are a real businessman, you will certainly get the visa which is not a big deal for us. She said visa is a very important instrument to increase business and commercial trade.
"GSP plus status to Pakistan is currently being reviewed which is a complicated procedure as it involves 27 EU members," she said, adding that the GSP Plus to Pakistan will be extended and we are confident it will end in a positive way.
KCCI president Muffasar Atta Malik stressed the need to exchange more trade delegations between the two countries as the current trade volume is not that promising.
"Pakistan exported goods worth $666 million while its imports from Italy stood at $547 million during fiscal year 2017 which indicates gradual improvement but this has to be intensified through collective efforts from both sides," he urged.
Malik said Karachi Chamber has planned to send its delegation to European Union countries including Italy in the second half of current calendar year to look for more trade and investment opportunities. He requested the Italian CG to facilitate KCCI delegation's visit by arranging maximum number of B2B meetings with the Italian business and industrial community.
He told the Italian CG that Karachi, which is the economic hub of Pakistan, offers profitable investment opportunities. He said Karachi also offers facilities for investment and joint ventures to Italian Investors.
Referring to two Special Economic Zones being established on priority in Karachi under CPEC project, he advised the Italian business community to evince interest in these economic zones where they can enjoy tax holiday for up to 10 years which is phenomenal, along with many other benefits, particularly the One-Window Operation Facility.
"CPEC is a game changer project which will lead to improved regional economic integration and transform Pakistan into a Central and South Asian economic hub," he said, citing that foreign investors have begun expressing keen interest in Pakistan. KCCI president said he is confident that CPEC will bring in a paradigm shift in the business and industrial scenario of the entire region, hence the Italian investors must also take advantage of the situation by either investing or undertaking joint ventures in CPEC-related projects.
He suggested that keeping in view the changing world, EU's visa policy also needs to be reviewed. He said Pakistan is opening up, the country is safe and Pakistanis want to prosper with the entire world.
"We would like to have a reciprocal basis visa issuance policy from EU, as well", he asserted, asking the Italian diplomat: "Whenever you send your recommendations or briefs about Pakistan, please put this as your priority suggestion from the business and industrial community of Karachi."
Malik also invited the Italian companies to participate in the 15th My Karachi - Oasis of Harmony exhibition scheduled to be organized at the Karachi Expo Centre from 20th to 22nd April 2018 which will provide an excellent opportunity to Italian businessmen and industrialists to showcase their products and create strong linkages with the business community of Karachi by holding B2B meetings in a cordial atmosphere.
KCCI's senior vice president Abdul Basit Abdul Razzak, vice president Rehan Hanif, KCCI chairman of Diplomatic Missions & Embassies Liaison Sub-Committee Sohail Amin, former president Majyd Aziz and KCCI Managing Committee members were also present at the meeting.