The relationship between Italy and Hong Kong is very good and strengthening, said Italian envoy to the SAR Carmelo Ficarra, who added that representing Italy has been a rewarding experience nearly three years into his posting.
“I was very lucky because I arrived in September 2022 when already covid restrictions were gradually being lifted and that left a lot of time and space for our teams to restart and resume.”
He said his job here was dedicated to reconnecting Italy and Hong Kong in various fields after Covid restrictions and limitations on travelling had limited mobility and therefore the number of initiatives implemented live.
Looking back at his time in the city, Ficarra said he learnt a lot and had the opportunity to meet with many people. Being surrounded by such a concentration of fascinating people was incredibly stimulating and dynamic, he added.
Outside of the consular outpost, Ficarra is an avid swimmer who has taken part in several aquatic events across Hong Kong. Most recently, he joined the 80-kilometer relay Marathon Swim Challenge, which circled Hong Kong Island and Sai Kung.
The event supported The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong's initiative to raise awareness about biodiversity and advocate for the protection of marine ecosystems and coastlines. Its ultimate goal is to restore 80 square kilometers of marine habitat by 2030.
Ficarra also joined a charity swim relay in support of the Splash Foundation, which provides free swimming lessons to foreign domestic workers, refugees, and children from low-income communities—believing everyone deserves the chance to learn.
(Jamie Liu)
