KUCHING: Italy is seeking to forge strategic cooperation with Sarawak, particularly in the energy and aerospace sectors.
Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Rafaelle Langelle said several business delegations from Italy are expected to visit Sarawak soon to explore investment opportunities.
He said priority areas include the energy sector, especially infrastructure and technologies for energy production, including renewable energy.
“We are very interested in the ASEAN grid as well as all projects related to this major ASEAN initiative.
“We are also very active in biofuels, and this has become one of the Sarawak Government’s priorities. It is increasingly becoming an essential need, based on the current global energy market conditions,” he said.
He said this to reporters during a press conference after a courtesy visit to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today (Apr 15).
He also highlighted the potential for cooperation in the aerospace sector, which has a strong history and tradition in Italy.
He said many people are unaware that Italy was the third country in the world to launch a satellite into space around 70 or 80 years ago, after the United States and the USSR (now known as Russia).
“Since then, we have been active in this field for decades and have a strong aerospace industry, which is also a sector of high interest to the Sarawak Government. Therefore, we can also collaborate in this field,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rafaelle also expressed strong interest in traditional design, as well as the work of young designers who are very active in the state.
He said these individuals should be introduced to leading Italian designers in efforts to further develop the design industry between both parties.
