Italian companies have shown interest in making investment in various sectors in Pakistan during a visit by an official delegation to Rome.

A business delegation, including representatives for Italian companies already working in Pakistan, visited Rome on April 5 and 6 to discuss opportunities for Italian companies to invest and expand trade ties.

Pakistan Board of Investment in collaboration with embassy of Pakistan, Italy organized 1st Pakistan Italy Business & Investment Forum, in Rome, Italy.

A number of sectors were represented in the forum including Packaging and Packaging Products, Agro Chemicals/ Agricultural Machinery, Fertilizers, Environmental Products, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment/ Industrial Machinery, Pharmaceutical Products, Foot wear Equipment, Services, Design, Laboratory Equipment and Railway Equipment. Around 125 Italian businessmen / companies representing from different sectors participated in the forum.

The forum was inaugurated by the Italian foreign minister. While addressing the forum, Chairman Board of Investment Dr. Miftah Ismail highlighted Pakistan economic and mineral strengths, investment policy and investment opportunities in Pakistan.

He said that the Pakistan Trade and Business Forum will be useful in both showcasing the investment opportunities in Pakistan. He said that as a result of consistent efforts of government, GDP growth of 4.24 percent was achieved in 2014-15 which was the highest in last seven years.

Per capita income has recorded a significant growth of 9.25 percent in 2014-15. The economic outlook has been improved and confidence of foreign and local investors has increased due to the friendly policies of our government. Pakistan has successfully brought down its fiscal deficit and improved the balance of payment position.