Italy eyes fusion of Italian, Qatari artisan skills, says envoy

Italy is eyeing to fuse Italian and Qatari craftsmanship in the field of furniture making, according to Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano, who noted the possibility of establishing factories in Qatar for small types of furniture.
“I am happy that these family-owned Italian companies are coming to Doha for the first time and they can even establish some small factories in Qatar, and also to teach other furniture makers here how to create these special products that Italy has been doing for many generations,” Salzano told Gulf Times on the sidelines of Index Qatar 2018, which will run until November 15 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
“What I am looking for is to have a partnership not only with big Italian companies but also with Italian artisans who are handcrafting these furniture and other products. They are already selling these products from Italy but I think what is important is that we should start producing these small products here,” said Salzano, who led the event’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The ambassador said he is planning to propose to Katara to host artisan workshops, citing Katara – the Cultural Village as “the best location” to hold training and similar activities.
He also said Italy will be participating for the first time in the upcoming Dhow Festival at Katara because “now is the time to come together and explore ways how to share with Qatar these artistic skills that are very specific and distinct to Italy.”
“It is a good idea to merge Italian and Qatari artistic skills because the country has a lot of resources and offers many possibilities; doing this will be very useful for both Italy and Qatar,” Salzano continued.
Organisers of Index Qatar 2018 said the three-day exhibition is expected to attract close to 5,000 local and international design community from interior designers and architects to project managers, importers and distributors across the retail, hospitality, residential and commercial design sectors.