Italian companies in Qatar, across all sectors, are effectively operating and ensuring business continuity by implementing smart working arrangements and strict health protocols on work sites, in compliance with the instructions of the Qatari authorities, Italian ambassador Alessandro Prunas has said.

“Of course, the current situation has an inevitable impact on the timeframe and costs of business operations across sectors. However, companies are sparing no effort in trying to minimise any business disruptions.

“Like most companies in every country, Italian companies based in Qatar have also been forced by the Covid-19 pandemic to rethink their work flows and put in place new procedures without any impact on their strong commitment towards the local market and community,” Prunas told Gulf Times on Tuesday.

The ambassador, who arrived in Qatar in early January this year, stressed that business continuity is primarily ensured through new, smart-working procedures and innovative technology.

In the oil and gas sector, Italian companies such as Saipem, Rosetti Marino, and Nuovo Pignone, which are involved in strategic offshore and onshore projects, have worked with Qatari partners to promptly reschedule activities or timely implement alternative plans, Prunas noted.

“In regard to ongoing technology and training programmes in the defence sectors, companies such as Leonardo, Fincantieri, and Elettronica have set up dedicated teams and have reached out to their local partners to explain in detail the measures adopted to ensure business continuity,” he further said.

In terms of infrastructural projects, Prunas said Italian companies are generally continuing their operations with the adoption of strict health and sanitary protocols in line with the requirements set by the state of Qatar and with the experience of their headquarters in Italy, “which had to face this situation earlier.”

“Thanks to the fruitful partnerships built with local firms over the years, the main Italian companies have quickly made new plans to continue to timely deliver, maintaining the highest level of quality in their performance,” he said.

According to Prunas, the Italian government is also closely following the strategic operations of companies, such as Leonardo or Fincantieri, which are partially state-owned, providing the required support.

“Italy was indeed among the first countries to be hit by this pandemic. In any unprecedented situation, being at the forefront is always a very difficult test but it also encourages you to be more responsive to change and creative.

“I am proud to highlight that Italian companies are once again proving their high levels of flexibility and innovation – two assets that have always been at the backbone of the global success of the ‘Made in Italy’ manufacturing brand,” Prunas emphasised.

He added: “Since the beginning of the health emergency, this proactive approach of the management at the corporate level has benefited also the branches of the companies abroad, including in Qatar, empowering them to cope at their best with the new scenario.”


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