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Mr. Vincenzo Prati, Italian Ambassador in Pakistan, said the Italian government is ready to support Pakistan in technical and mechanical sectors whenever their assistance is required.
The Italian Ambassador and First Secretary visited different manufacturing facilities of Ravi Pakistan accompanied by Mr. Iqbal Khalid, Chairman Ravi Pakistan and Mr. Fahad Iqbal, Director Ravi Pakistan. The delegation was then briefed on the operations of group companies; Ravi Automobile (Pvt.) Ltd., Infinity Engineering, Ravi Spherocast, Ravi Agric, Ravi Resource, Aska Engineering, ETech and RND Engineering. The delegation also visited the Ravi Piaggio Storm 125 assembly line.
On this occasion addressing a press conference Mr. Vincenzo Prati said, "We want to support Pakistan's development process, especially mechanical sector, which is the strength of Italy." He was of the view that Italy is well aware of the growth potential in Pakistan's two-wheeler market and is ready to contribute its share in the development of this sector.
"We know the potential of Pakistan's economy and want to be its partner in the development process to tap this potential" he added. He said that the prospect of Pakistan's economy was very attractive despite the crisis. "We are impressed by the quality of manufacturing at Ravi Motorcycle's manufacturing facilities."
He believed that Ravi Piaggio Strom 125, the motorcycle manufactured by Ravi Automobile (Pvt.) Ltd., in collaboration with Piaggio Italy, was the real successor of Vespa, the Italian brand that dominated two wheeler market in Pakistan for more than five decades. "I want to see Ravi Piaggio outside our buildings in Islamabad and Karachi on Italian National Day in June" he said admiring the trendy build of Ravi Piaggio Storm 125. "Collaboration of Ravi Automobile and Piaggio Group is very important in the bilateral relations of the two trading countries. We will draw Piaggio Group's attention to invest in Ravi Automobile for future prospects of Pakistan" he announced.
Appreciating the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister for promotion of bilateral economic relations of Italy and Pakistan, he said Mr. Shahbaz Sharif was very keen to enhance trade relations between the two countries and sought Italian cooperation in this regard. "Shahbaz Sharif encourages us to invest in Pakistan and we are ready for the support" he added.
Dr Federico Bianchi, First Secretary, Head of Economic and Commercial Office, also accompanied Ambassador during the visit and said "Piaggio group knows that the future of two wheelers is in Asia. It has already focused Asia and started manufacturing in China, India and Vietnam". "Ravi's collaboration with Piaggio is a step forward, showing the group's interest in this region" he said.
He told the media that Italy is trading with Pakistan in many sectors including technology, jewellery, garments etc. "Italy is one of the top ten traders of Pakistan in the world and third in the European Union" he said while commenting on Italy's trade relations with Pakistan. He complimented Pakistan's progress during the last decade. "Pakistan is on the right track for development" he said.
Earlier, Director Ravi Pakistan, Mr. Fahad Iqbal, thanked the Italian Ambassador and First Secretary for their visit.
He emphasized that Pakistan's relations with Italy are vital for the economic growth of the country. "With Ravi Piaggio Storm 125, we have brought Piaggio products back to Pakistan" he said enjoying the fact that Ravi Automobile (Pvt.) Ltd., has revived the popularity of Italian technology of two wheelers in Pakistan. He claimed that the youth of Pakistan is starving for good rides and Ravi Piaggio Storm 125 is just the right vehicle for them. "Ravi Automobile, in collaboration with Piaggio Italy, will launch more modern and environment friendly products for bike lovers" he announced.
-Published on page#-16 & 17 in June-2012 issue of MOBILE WORLD Magazine www.mobileworld.com.pk
