MANAMA: Bilateral trade between Italy and Bahrain rose by 52 per cent last year to the record level of 550 million euros ($617m) cementing strong economic ties, Italian Ambassador Domenico Bellato has said.
Last year also saw a great leap in Bahraini exports to Italy, which increased by 156pc, added the diplomat during a reception at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa, held to mark Italian National Day.
Iconic products, as symbols of Made in Italy excellence like Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati and Piaggio were on display during the reception.
Over the last few years Bahrain’s exports to Italy have mainly comprised aluminium, plastics and fertilisers, whereas Italian imports into Bahrain have been machinery for industry, fashion, food, furniture, design, and electrical and electronic devices.
The last 12 months have seen the relationship between Italy and Bahrain continue to flourish.
According to him, major Italian companies are taking part in the most important industrial projects in Bahrain, such as the modernisation of the Bapco refinery, and a new partnership has just been sealed in the energy sector for pursuing oil exploration and possible production.
“The untapped potential is still huge, considering the complementarity of the two economies, and we’ll jointly explore further avenues of co-operation,” said Mr Bellato.
The ambassador recalled the participation of the Italian aerobatic team in the Bahrain International Airshow last year as a key milestone.
At the political level, the diplomat said the Embassy of Bahrain in Rome is now a reality, representing “a real milestone that will no doubt boost our relations in all fields”.
High-level visits by Italian officials to Manama, including for the first time the Defence Minister and after many years the Deputy Foreign Secretary, have reinvigorated the political dialogue, he said.
“Italy is indeed a staunch advocate of dialogue as a means to solve disputes and build co-existence, including in the Middle East and North Africa region, an area of unique geostrategic relevance for Italy, a region facing big challenges but which is also rich in bigger opportunities for economic, cultural and social co-operation.”
Mr Bellato said fighting terrorism and transnational crime, countering climate change and promoting effective multilateralism and human rights would also stay high on Italy’s international agenda in the months to come.
“Another pillar is the strengthening of the effectiveness of the European Union as a driver of peace, stability and progress, for European citizens and for the people of its neighbouring regions.
“Notwithstanding the challenges it faces, the EU remains a unique point of reference for the people of Europe and is therefore there to stay and flourish.
“Italy and Bahrain also share their views on main international dossiers and on the importance of co-operation and dialogue,” he added.
On the cultural front, milestones in 2018 were the launch of the first ever course of Italian language at a Bahraini University, hosted by the Royal University for Women, and the inauguration of the King Hamad Chair for Inter-Faith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence at the La Sapienza University in Rome, one of the most ancient and biggest university in Europe.
Bahrain, he said, is actively involved in the celebration of the Italian city of Matera as 2019 European Capital of Culture, through a rich programme of initiatives entitled ‘From Manama to Matera’, in collaboration with the Bahrain International Federation of Business and Professional Women and UNIDO.
“Matera is a beautiful ancient small town in the south of Italy, full of history and traditions also dating back to the age of Arab influence.”
Sponsors supporting the Matera celebrations include Technip FMC, Leonardo, Bapco, GPIC, Gulf Brands, IGuzzini, Sharif Group and Tricom Group.
During the celebration, Ambassador Bellato also bestowed the decoration of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy to Giuseppina Ubezio (known as Giuse Maggi) and to Loredana Mantello, in recognition of their efforts to spread Italian art and culture in Bahrain.
“The Italian community in Bahrain, which found here a second home, continued to grow in 2018 and to contribute with its dedication and talents to the prosperity of the country they live in,” said Mr Bellato.
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