adminZimbabweans free of charge with a view to strengthening the growing business and cultural ties between the two countries.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the first group of students in Harare last week, Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Stefano Moscatelli hailed the students for their commitment throughout the programme.
“We launched this introductory course after realising that over the years there has been an increase in cultural exchange and business interaction between our two countries so we decided to take action to promote these exchanges through promoting our Italian culture and language.
“I would also want to commend this first class for their commitment and enthusiasm towards learning the language,” he said.
Renowned Zimbabwean jazz musician Dudu Manhenga was also part of the inaugural class and has toured Italy on two occasions before.
Ambassador Mascatelli added that some major Italian companies are now permanently based in Zimbabwe, a sign that Italy is keen to do business with the country.
“We have a number of Italian firms operating in Zimbabwe including Salini, a construction company that was involved in the construction of the Kariba Dam, while Ansaldo is another Italian company that is operating in the country,” said the ambassador.
In a statement, the Italian embassy in Harare said the Italian language courses are designed to benefit those individuals that travel to Italy for business or leisure as well as those that do business with Italian companies, tourists, business delegations and artistes.
Over the past four years the Italian Embassy has actively promoted business ties between the two countries and has used its official stand at the major business and tourism exhibitions in Zimbabwe to facilitate and encourage the presence and participation of Italian companies in the local economy.
At this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo, the Italian pavilion was voted the second best stand after South Africa.
Online Reporter