December 2016 57 www.bahrainthismonth.com Having arrived on the island only a couple of months ago, Ambassador Bellato’s first impressions of the country are very positive. Of his experience so far, he says: “People are welcoming; it’s a warm and open society, characterised by tolerance, also vis-à-vis foreigners and other religions. So it’s a very friendly place to live.” Although this is His Excellency’s first ambassadorial posting, he feels his previous experience, including his last appointment in Brussels, his time in Rome where he was dealing with Afghanistan and Pakistan issues, as well as his first postings in Dakar (Senegal) and Malta, have prepared him well for the new position. “In Brussels, I was the deputy Italian representative to the political and security committee of the European Union, dealing mostly with Middle East and Mediterranean issues, and also the Gulf – the relations between the European Union and the GCC,” he says. “I think that that experience provided me with quite a good knowledge of the political and economic situation in the Mediterranean area, the Middle East, the Gulf and the Gulf countries, so it helped me prepare for my new job as Ambassador to Bahrain. Also, my main job in Brussels was negotiation because in the European Union you always have to find a common denominator, a common position, a compromise to satisfy everybody, and this can be very useful for diplomatic relations in my new assignment here. “I’m honoured to be appointed as the new Ambassador of Italy to Bahrain with the task to further strengthen the bilateral relations, following the path of my predecessors’ very positive record. As there is always scope for improvement, my job will be to increase the political and economic ties between our two countries, working at a political level, but also to improve business, trade and cultural relations, as Italian culture, as far as I know, is very much appreciated in Bahrain. And there is scope for cooperation in this sector, given the long ancient history of Bahrain.” With around 380 registered Italian citizens residing in the Kingdom, His Excellency believes the Italian community is very active and well integrated into Bahraini society. Of Italian business representation in the country, he says it’s quite differentiated. “It’s an important presence and we will work to increase it and, of course, to improve it. My compatriots in Bahrain are engaged in many sectors – oil and gas, banking, finance, infrastructure, consultancy and arts – which is a good basis for cooperation. “Moreover, the Italian Bahraini Friendship Association (IBFA) is working very hard to increase the opportunity of exchange, of meetings between Italians and Bahrainis, and in organising cultural and social events. This association is an important point of reference for the Italian community and for the Bahrainis who love Italy.” The balance of trade last year between Italy and Bahrain involved BD122 million (90 million in exports from Italy to Bahrain, namely machinery, construction materials, textile, food items, automotive, and 32 million in exports from Bahrain to Italy, such as petrochemicals and metals), and it’s increasing by up to 40 per cent, especially the exports from Italy, according to His Excellency, and he sees room for improvement. “We have to identify sectors which are more promising, where the potential is bigger, such as everything related to Italian design – industrial, everyday life, luxury and interior design. I think that this is a sector which could grow.” He also expects to see more Italian companies coming to the island and the region, especially within the infrastructure and mechanics segments. “Not everybody knows it, but Italy is Europe’s second largest exporter of machinery and capital goods and has the world’s fifth largest surplus in manufactured goods. Machinery for industry is therefore another area of excellence that we will try to promote also in Bahrain. The growth of investments in both directions is another positive factor to work on,” he adds. Furthermore, he is keen to increase the cultural integration between the two countries. “It would be very positive to have an Italian language section within the university or a recognised Italian language course in Bahrain, which is still missing, unfortunately,” he says. “This would also create a dynamic for tourism, business and culture exchange, promoting also the possibilities and the opportunities that universities in Italy provide.” Additionally, he believes that having a direct flight to Italy from Bahrain would be beneficial for boosting tourism and business. In discovering island life with his wife Laura and two sons, he expects to enjoy the opportunities the Kingdom provides in terms of various activities, including culture, water sports, tennis and social gatherings. INTERVIEWS ALSO THIS MONTH: 58 UNITED IN GOING GREEN 62 EIGHTEEN AND COUNTING A NEW BEGINNING APPLE SHARMA As the new Italian Ambassador to Bahrain, His Excellency Domenico Bellato, takes the reins, he reveals his plans for his tenure in the Kingdom. HE Domenico Bellato
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