Italian delegation takes interest in Pak infrastructure development projects
By Mona Khan

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan has rich opportunities for heavy investments in various sectors in addition to having introduced encouraging policies by its government, which attract especially foreign investors.
These views were remarked by the head of a high-level delegation of Italian companies during a meeting with senior officials of Infrastructure Project Development Facility (Ministry of Finance) and Investment Division & Board of Investment. The delegation, headed by H.E. Ambassador of Italy, Vinchenzo Parti, comprised Ambassador Gerado Carante, Diplomatic Counselor ANCE, Bernadino Chiaia, Vice Rector, Politecnico di Torino, Dr. Gastone Guerrini, Guerrini Company, Dr Alberto Regis, Cuerrini Pivato Company, Shamsher Alam, G.M. Guerrini Privato Company, and Dr Michele Bulgaro, Verona Expo.
Ahmed Waqar, Secretary Investment Division & Board of Investment welcomed the construction and development industry leaders from Italy and said that in past Italian construction and development firms have been very active in Pakistan, particularly in the water energy infrastructure projects. Pakistan would again welcome the Italian private sector and have them proactively participate in infrastructure projects in Pakistan. IPDF Chief Executive Officer Aijaz Ahmad briefed the delegation on the PPP framework and the investors-friendly policies for foreign investments in the country’s infrastructure development.
He said that presently the IPDF has identified 44 projects worth approximately USD 1.4 billion and is focusing on identified projects in fields of airports, seaports, railways, bridges, roads, mass transit system, municipal services and hydro projects. The delegation evinced keen interest in the opportunities in the infrastructure sector in Pakistan. In his remarks, Ambassador of Italy, Vinchenzo Prati, said that Italy wants to invest in hydro power generation, railways, roads and infrastructure projects in Pakistan in joint collaboration with the local companies.
Representatives of leading Pakistan construction industries were also present in the meeting.