The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Lacopo Foti, has expressed his country’s readiness to support Kaduna State Government’s investment drive, by encouraging Italian companies to invest in the State.
Foti made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe as t the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna on Saturday.
The Ambassador further encouraged state government to approach the Italian Embassy for support in facilitating investments.
“We have come to introduce ourselves, learn about the Government’s plans, and see if there are investments which you want the Italian Embassy to facilitate.
“If there are private investments you desire in Kaduna, especially in machinery or manufacturing, or if you have plans for the next few years, let us know. If you’re interested in agricultural machinery companies like tractor plants, we can make contact with them,” he said.
According to him, Italian investors would find Kaduna’s climate “a bit better than Abuja’s” and its people friendly.
“This is my first time in Kaduna, and I hope to return next month.We have Italians living here; this visit is an opportunity to meet them and see how we can help them and the State Government,” he added.
In response, the Deputy Governor acknowledged the long history between Italy and Nigeria, and expressed interest in establishing strong economic relations.
Balarabe directed the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency to prepare a proposal for the Italian Embassy, aiming to kick-start substantial conversations between the state and Italy.
She said, “We have advantages in agriculture, mining, tourism, and human capital. Italy excels in manufacturing, technology, education, and renewable energy. I hope we can establish collaboration in these areas.
“We look forward to engaging with the Ambassador further, hoping that this won’t be your last visit to Kaduna.”
The Italian Embassy’s willingness to support Kaduna State’s investment drive comes as a welcome development for the state, which has been working to attract investments to boost its economy.
Kaduna State has been making efforts to attract investments, having already secured $4.3bn worth of investments through KADIPA since its establishment in 2015.
The state’s Deputy Governor expressed optimism that the visit would mark the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Kaduna State and Italy.
“We are excited about the potential for collaboration between our state and Italy. We look forward to working with the Italian Embassy to explore areas of mutual interest and benefit,” she said.
Italian Investors Will Prefer Kaduna To Abuja, Ambassador Tells Deputy Governor is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
