Italian Ambassador: We Aspire To See Iraqi Products In The European Market
Baghdad / NINA/- The Ambassador of Italy to Iraq, Nicolo Fontana, announced that the launch of the Iraq–Italy Business Council marks “a bridge to enhance communication and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.”
Speaking at the official inauguration ceremony held on Wednesday in Baghdad, Fontana stated that “Iraqi–Italian relations are at a very good level, particularly in the economic field, with significant room for further development.”
He explained that the new council would serve as a practical platform for building partnerships and solving economic challenges through permanent offices in Baghdad and Erbil, as well as broad representation from different provinces and sectors.
The ambassador noted that the Italian Embassy in Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil have worked closely with both Iraqi and Italian public and private sector entities to remove barriers and build mutual trust. He highlighted that last year’s signing of an “export credit insurance framework agreement” between SACE and the Iraqi side opened new opportunities to boost “Made in Italy” exports and support Iraq’s local industrial development.
He added that Italian Trade Agency, along with other Italian government bodies, is ready to expand its role in Iraq and help Italian and international companies access promising business opportunities.
For his part, Fabrizio Lobasso, Deputy Director General for the Promotion of Italy and Economic Internationalization at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasized that the new council will be an effective coordination hub across multiple sectors, paving the way for new partnerships, investments, and economic initiatives to strengthen bilateral relations.
“Iraq knows well the value of ‘Made in Italy’, its quality, professionalism, innovation, and reliability,” Lobasso said, “and Italians know Iraq as a country of resources, resilience, and courage.” He underscored the importance of cooperation in infrastructure, logistics, energy, and water management.
He also pointed out that Italian companies are contributing to Iraq’s green digital transition and efforts to reduce gas flaring, as well as collaborating on water management projects and strategic sites like Mosul Dam. Italian expertise is also engaged in healthcare, medical services, pharmaceuticals, training, and infrastructure, particularly in the construction of dams and bridges.
Lobasso stressed that “it is best to build close partnerships and implement initiatives before signing memorandums of understanding, so we can consolidate all achievements in a single agreement.” He expressed Italy’s interest in seeing more Iraqi products in Italian and European markets and in supporting the use of Italian equipment maintained by Iraqi technicians.
Fontana concluded: “Italy is ready to walk hand in hand with Iraq, promoting a business culture built on quality, design, and innovation.”/ End
