ITALIAN ambassador to Malaysia, Massimo Rustico is eager to collaborate with Penang to further develop the manufacturing sector, especially the high-tech industry.
Rustico said Italian manufacturing companies, which are very much present in Selangor, have provided some 13,000 employment opportunities in Malaysia.
He also said that the Italian high-tech cluster is also present in Muar, Johor.
“The main objective of my official visit to Penang is to lead the Italian industry to know more about Penang.
“Italy is the superpower in the manufacturing industry and it is the second largest manufacturing country in Europe after Germany.
“It is also among the sixth to eighth largest countries in the manufacturing industry globally,” Rustico said when he paid a courtesy call on Chief Ministry Chow Kon Yeow today at his office in Komtar.
Rustico said Italy’s manufacturing industry also includes the manufacturing of machinery (industrial equipment) which is among their key strengths.
“We are also able to provide financial packages whenever there is any joint venture between the local companies and ours.
“That is why we want to work with your team to further explore the manufacturing industry in Penang,” he added.
Rustico was also accompanied by the deputy of mission Pietro Tombaccini, Italian trade commissioner and Italian cultural officer Eliana Salvi.
Meanwhile, Chow also emphasised the importance of machinery for the manufacturers.
“I have always been fascinated by the machines whenever I visit factories, and often ask them where they get those huge manufacturing machines.
“Instruments are certainly one of the most important sub-sectors in the industry,” Chow said.
During their discussion, Rustico and Chow also exchanged ideas on other matters such as space technology as well as the upcoming general election in Malaysia.
Rustico also said there is a plan to hold the Italy-Malaysia Business Forum in Milan in October next year.
Apart from that, Rustico also shared his desire of collaborating with Penang in the culture and creative sector.
It is learned that the delegates would be also visiting the office of InvestPenang tomorrow.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat