Pakistan, Italy vow to boost trade, investment and labour mobility

Mettis Global reported that Pakistan and Italy reaffirmed their intention to build on bilateral ties, with a focus on commerce, investment, farming, workforce movement and exchanges between their people. Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani made the call while receiving Italian Ambassador Ugo Ciarlatani at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Gilani described the relationship as long-standing and friendly, grounded in mutual respect.

Gilani said considerable room exists to expand trade and investment, and he welcomed Italian companies already operating in Pakistan while encouraging more Italian funds in shared areas of interest. He also credited Italy for its cooperation in technical and vocational training, pointing to the Pakistan-Italy Textile Centre at Faisalabad and a footwear facility in Lahore. He highlighted the workforce and labour migration MoU as a route to safe and legal migration, and welcomed Italy's plan to recruit 10,500 skilled Pakistani workers over three years.

Ciarlatani, who has only recently begun work in the capital, said he aims to strengthen ties and draw more Italian investment during his tenure. He noted that roughly 300,000 people of Pakistani origin live, work and study in Italy, helping bind the two nations. Gilani also thanked Italy for backing Pakistan's non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2025-26 and said Pakistan expects a visit from Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.