Italian investors offer energy-efficient structures to Pakistan

Say construction style in Pakistan is energy inefficient as a lot of power is wasted

PHOTO: REUTERS

ISLAMABAD:
Italian investors visiting the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) expressed keen interest in investing in Pakistan’s construction sector.

The delegation, representing Natali Construction Company of Italy, was led by Dr Fabrizio Fava and Giacoma Natali. They were interested in constructing solar-powered energy-efficient residential, industrial and commercial complexes.

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The delegation was of the view that the construction style in Pakistan was highly energy inefficient as lot of electricity was being wasted and pointed out that their highly energy-efficient technology and style could save the energy cost 10 times in Pakistan.

They were eager to immediately set up a branch in Pakistan to introduce their style of construction and technology and sought ICCI’s help in this regard. They also inquired about the tax system of the country.

They were exploiting solar and geothermal energy in building structures which maintained comfortable temperatures, both in summer and winter seasons.

The delegation told ICCI members that their company was also building solar and biomass power plants among other sources of alternative energy and they could help Pakistan to overcome the energy crisis.

Speaking on the occasion, ICCI Acting President Sheikh Pervez Ahmed briefed the delegation about investment opportunities for foreign investors in Pakistan.


“Construction is a booming sector as many big residential, industrial and commercial projects are under way in major cities of the country,” he said.

Ahmed pointed to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that would start a new era of construction of mega projects and added it was high time that more Italian investors explored Pakistan for investment and joint ventures.

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He said Pakistan was in dire need of energy-efficient construction as prevailing structures were wasting a lot of electricity leading to more energy shortages.

He also cited the attractive incentives Pakistan offered to foreign investors with 100% equity and repatriation of profits.

Assuring the Italian investors of ICCI’s assistance, Ahmed urged them to focus on investment in construction, energy and other potential sectors to take maximum advantage of Pakistan’s liberal investment regime.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10th, 2016.

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