ITALY REPUBLIC DAY 2026: AARIJ IQBAL, President, Italian Development Committee-IDC

I send the Italian people my best greetings as they celebrate their Republic Day on behalf of the Italian Development Committee-IDC.

I want to express my gratitude to the Italian Consulate in Karachi, the Italian Embassy in Islamabad for working together on projects and opportunities.

Italy hosts more than 18,000 enterprises, ranking 1st among European countries by number of Machinery & Equipment companies. The Italian industry also ranks 2nd in Europe, Italian machinery and mechatronics industry is 3rd in Europe by percentage of turnover (it accounts for 9% of national turnover with €251 billion), and it generates an added value of € 70 billion and an export value of €148 billion. On the bilateral front, there has been a constant growth in trade and commercial engagement between the two countries.

The above is a testament of the resilience of the Italian way of conducting business which has shown great strength during global challenges and changing dynamics of the business in the world and especially of Europe.

IDC in Collaboration with the Italian Consulate Karachi organized various events by engaging its members from the food and beverage sector during the Italian Cuisine Week. We also supported a first of its kind event during the Italian Design Day By engaging local multi sectorial members, academia, designers, architects and experts both from Pakistan and Italy to discuss and explore potential collaborations and highlight the importance of sustainable design and architecture.

IDC had the chance to host Italian delegate to promote collaboration for development in the Olive Culture program. IDC also fully supports the initiatives that engage both social and corporate sectors throughout the year. We had the chance to engage with the representatives from the Italian Cooperation for Development throughout the year, fostering interaction with Karachi’s corporate and social communities.

We have, with support of the Consulate, developed some new programs which will be held during the 2026-2027 financial year focusing on multiple sectors and with targeted audience. We look forward to another exciting year to promote Italian excellence and bilateral relations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026