Italian ambassador Andreas Ferrarese has made a significant announcement, stating that as many as 100,000 Pakistanis currently residing in Italy will be legalized this year.
In an interview with a private Pakistani channel on Thursday, Ferrarese discussed the efforts to improve relations in social and immigration issues, acknowledging Italy as the host of the largest Pakistani community in the European Union, totaling almost 200,000 individuals, with 100,000 set to be legalized.
Reflecting on his four years as an ambassador in Pakistan, Ferrarese highlighted the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Italy relations. He praised the recent closure of a €100 million Pakistan-Italy debt swap agreement and emphasized Italy’s assistance in initiatives such as olive oil cultivation and glacier mapping in the Himalayas.
The former envoy revealed that Italy aims to enhance bilateral ties by increasing the flow of visitors, having issued 15,000 visas for Pakistanis in the past year for tourism, study, and business purposes. Ferrarese expressed optimism about reaching a trading volume between Pakistan and Italy of €4 billion to €5 billion, acknowledging the current trade level of €2 billion as a minimum that does not fully realize the potential between the two countries.
To further strengthen economic ties, Italy has established a trade agency in Islamabad to provide technical assistance. Ferrarese highlighted successful efforts, in collaboration with the central bank of Pakistan, to bring remittances from Italy through legal channels, amounting to around €1 billion for Pakistan.
Albana Ferrarese, the former envoy’s wife, highlighted commonalities between Italy and Pakistan, such as prioritizing family and appreciating shared meals. She mentioned Italian designer Stella Jean incorporating embroidery from northern areas of Pakistan into the Milan Fashion Week, emphasizing Italy’s appreciation for such craftsmanship.
Addressing concerns about diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry, Andreas Ferrarese stated that hardworking individuals, including Pakistanis, have a place in Italy. He commended the Pakistani community for its contributions to Italy’s economy in various sectors, including industry, agriculture, services, and other activities, describing Pakistan as a great country with a generous heart that can serve as a positive example for the rest of the world.
