From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, His Excellency Lacopo Foti, has pledged his country’s readiness to support the Kaduna State Government in its investment drive by encouraging Italian companies to invest in the state.
Foti pledged this when he paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Saturday.
“We have come to introduce ourselves, learn about the government’s plans, and see if there are investments that you want the Italian Embassy to facilitate,” he said.
“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.”
The ambassador urged the Kaduna State Government to “approach our embassy and we will link you up. We are ready to collaborate in manufacturing, technology, and other areas.”
Foti expressed optimism that after the courtesy visit, where possible collaborations in agriculture, education, and training were discussed, “in the coming months, we hope to do something concrete. We await proposals from Kaduna State regarding their interests, which we’ll take to the Italian Government.”
According to him, Italian investors would find Kaduna’s climate “a bit better than Abuja’s and its people friendly,” adding that “this is my first time in Kaduna, and I hope to return next month.”
He stressed that “we have Italians living here; this visit is an opportunity to meet them and see how we can help them and the state government.
The Deputy Governor, Balarabe, acknowledged the long history between Italy and Nigeria and expressed interest in establishing strong economic relations.
She highlighted Kaduna State’s advantages in agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, energy, technology, and human capital development, noting that the state is the largest producer of maize, tomatoes, and ginger in Nigeria.
The Deputy Governor, who directed the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to prepare a proposal for the Italian Embassy, also expressed the hope that the Ambassador’s visit “kicks off substantial conversations between our state and Italy.”
Balarabe said that the Kaduna State Government looks forward to engaging with the Ambassador further.
