Asunción, Agencia IP.- In a recent interview on Paraguay TV’s «Tribuna» program, Marcello Fondi, Italy’s Ambassador to Paraguay, shared his thoughts on the current state of bilateral relations between the two nations. Fondi, who has been in the country for a year and a half, highlighted advances in various sectors and the opportunities for future cooperation.
«The bilateral relations are very good,» said the Ambassador, noting that Italy has maintained diplomatic ties with Paraguay since 1865, establishing a long history of friendship based on economic and cultural links. He pointed out a growing interest in the Italian language in the cultural sphere, which has been one of the most satisfying aspects of the relationship between the two countries.
However, the diplomat stressed that there is room for growth in the economic field. «Italy is only Paraguay’s 15th largest commercial partner, and we want to improve, to increase that,» he remarked, referring to the need to expand trade between the two nations. Additionally, Fondi highlighted Italy’s interest in sectors such as agriculture and high technology, mentioning a joint project involving the launch of nanosatellites, with Italy aiming to collaborate in Paraguay’s technological development.
According to the Ambassador, one of the most important initiatives is promoting Italy’s model of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which has been key to their industrial development. Fondi believed this model could also benefit Paraguay’s productive sector. «I am sure it will interest Paraguay’s productive fabric,» he commented.
The Ambassador also announced that a delegation led by Maria Tripodi, Italy’s Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, would visit Asunción next week to meet Paraguayan authorities and advance bilateral cooperation projects.
Regarding cultural relations, Fondi noted an increase in Paraguayan’s interest in traveling to Italy, reflecting the strengthening ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Fondi concluded that, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the prospects for cooperation between Paraguay and Italy are very positive, and he expects the relationship to continue growing in the coming years.