Just a few figures are enough to show the growing “feeling” between Italy and Qatar. Last year the trade between the two countries increased the 9%, reaching 2.3 billion euros. A record! The Emirs’ sponsorship of AS Roma and the investment in Air Italy, not to mention the billionaire orders to Fincantieri and the recent purchase of 28 helicopters from Leonardo.
At the same time, this process was accompanied by a consolidation of the political and cultural relations. “It’s a strong friendship made up of a mutual respect for our cultural roots, for our history and identity. We appreciated the recognition by the US President Trump of Qatar’s role in fighting terrorism” says Pasquale Salzano, Ambassador of Italy in Doha, architect of this magic moment between the two countries.
It is due also to his work if Air Italy, owned by Qatar Airways, takes off in Italy with the purpose of becoming a 5-stars airline. “Yesterday the first Boeing was delivered in Milan – says Ambassador Salzano – but in 3 years the airline will own 70 aircrafts, from the current number of 12, with a strategy based on quality and efficiency, aimed at involving the employees by addressing them the 20% of profit”. Testimonial of Air Italy will be Roma football club, with its new sponsor shown on the official t-shirt. “But – Ambassador Salzano adds – the Emir is a fan of Lazio football club”.
Born in 1973, the Neapolitan Ambassador speaks about the excellent development perspectives. There is not only Valentino, Costa Smeralda, the Milano Porta Nuova investment and tourism (Qatar has built a maxi hospital in Olbia), but a feeling that goes beyond the commercial relations.
An attention witnessed by the visit of the Prime Minister Gentiloni in Doha and by the great number of projects established. Such as the Food Facility Storage, the only one in the world able to store food for a period up to two years, realized in Doha with Made in Itali agrotech technologies. “ It is a strategic infrastructure outsourced to our companies”, explains Salzano.
And what about the future? “Synergies will be extended in forms of exchange even more virtuous, also on a political level. The opening of an ILO office in Doha reassures us on the reform process that Qatar is following with a new legislation on the respect of human rights and workers, in line with international standards”.
