Doha, 21 Dec. 2024

Italian Chamber of Commerce, Qatar under the patronage of the Italian Embassy held its 2024 Award Ceremony on board of the ‘Amerigo Vespucci’, historical Italian Naval training ship currently on friendly visit to Doha Port.

Present on the occasion were Italy's Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, HE Francesco Lollobrigida; HE Paolo Toschi, ambassador of Italy; Omar Hussain AlFardan, President and CEO of AlFardan Group among other distinguished guests.

Italian Chamber of Commerce Qatar conferred 2024 ‘Bussola Award 2024 for Italy-Qatar Friendship’ on Qatari renowned businessman Omar Hussain Fardan.due to its steadfast and long-lasting relation with some of the most successful Italian companies, which spans from the automotive industries to luxury, specifically in sectors such as fashion, jewelry and F&B. A relationship that was nurtured through the years and that makes Alfardan a synonym of ‘Made in Italy’ all over Qatari market.

Ambassador Paolo Toschi said on the occasion that the award signifies the importance of bilateral relations in the Business sector, representing through a compass (Bussola), the direction of a successful journey of friendship between Italy and Qatar.

He said. the word ‘BUSSOLA’, same in both Italian and Arabic: means compass, an example of the historic trade relations that for centuries have bonded Italy and the Arabic world through the Mediterranean Sea.

He added that ‘We are proud to have supported the Italian Chamber of Commerce in conferring this award to Omar hussain Alfardan, one of the most esteemed Qatari businessmen and a true friend of Italy’.

Ambassador Toschi said that the ceremony is even more special as it is held on board of the Vespucci ship, our oldest and most beloved navy vessel, which perfectly symbolises all the values enshrined in the ‘Bussola’ award. Business and trade relations between Italy and Qatar have never been stronger. However, based on the many projects in the pipeline and of the work of entrepreneurs like Omar HussainAlfardan, the best is yet to come’, he concluded.

Omar Hussain Fardan thanked on honouring the 2024 award Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, its President Ms. Palma Libotte, and ambassador Paolo Toschi, , for this recognition.

He said that Alfardan Group remain committed to strengthening ties between Italy and Qatar, fostering greater collaboration and growth in the years ahead. This recognition reflects the enduring partnership between AlFardan Group and our valued Italian counterparts, built on shared values of excellence and innovation. The compass, or 'bussola,' symbolizes the direction and shared journey we have embarked on together and it is especially meaningful to receive this award aboard the iconic Vespucci ship, he added.

The President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Palma Li Botte, said, ‘The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the AlFardan Group for their unwavering support to Italian companies and our events in Qatar throughout the years’.