The Borneo Post

Italian ambassador impressed by Miri

- By Cindy Lai reporters@theborneop­ost.com

MIRI: There is possibilit­y that Italian investors might be coming to Miri to invest in the tourism sector, considerin­g that it could offer new adventure and experience for tourists.

Italian Ambassador to Malaysia His Excellency Cristiano Maggipinto said his first visit to Miri was a fruitful one, and he expects to have the opportunit­y to have more events and collaborat­ion with the local government.

“With more collaborat­ion in terms of programmes like Borneo Jazz Festival ( BJF), we can build an increasing Italian presence in Miri and Sarawak, which I strongly believe is not only from the cultural point of view but also economic point of view. Perhaps, in the near future, cooperatio­n in trade investment could pull both Italy and Sarawak closer,” he said.

He said he arrived here last week for a three- day trip and

With more collaborat­ion in terms of programmes like Borneo Jazz Festival (BJF), we can build an increasing Italian presence in Miri and Sarawak, which I strongly believe is not only from the cultural point of view but also economic point of view. Perhaps, in the near future, cooperatio­n in trade investment could pull both Italy and Sarawak closer.

described the trip as refreshing and a good experience.

“The Borneo Jazz Festival had introduced us to a whole different experience. Miri was the first place I had visited in Sarawak and with the Italian festival with gastronomi­c presentati­on at BJF we are looking for more opportunit­y for a cultural collaborat­ion,” he said during a visit to mayor Adam Yii at his office yesterday.

Cristiano was joined by his wife Tamara Hardikar Maggipinto, Italian Trade Commission ( ITC) Trade Commission­er Samuel Porsie and ITA’s trade analyst Shakira Matridi.

Yii said he welcomed the idea of cooperatio­n between the two sides.

“We welcome more investment in any sector, particular­ly the tourism sector. We had been known as the oil town and certainly, in moving forward, the oil and gas industry is still prominentl­y featured in Miri’s economic activities.

“Similarly, we are anticipati­ng all the opportunit­y and possibilit­y of Italian investors to explore the tourism industry,” he said.

His Excellency Cristiano Maggipinto, Italian Ambassador to Malaysia

 ??  ?? Dr Teo (left) shakes hands with hawkers at Emart Market.
Dr Teo (left) shakes hands with hawkers at Emart Market.

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