The Italian Embassy in Quito has announced the publication in the Official Gazette of the decree establishing the Honorary Vice Consulate in the city of Manta, under the authority of the Embassy, with territorial jurisdiction over the entire province of Manabí. "Reopening the consular office in Manta after decades of absence was one of my top priorities when I arrived in the country a year ago. My visit to Manabí in June further convinced me that strengthening our presence in the province was necessary," stated the Italian Ambassador, Giovanni Davoli. "This is a region of Ecuador with a strong productive vocation and deep commercial ties with Italy, which have intensified in recent years, particularly due to fishery products that are shipped from the port of Manta to Italy. Moreover, it is one of the regions where the Ecuadorian government is leading the fight against transnational organized crime—a battle that Italy fully supports. I thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for approving my proposal. We will soon announce the name of the new consular office holder and ensure it is immediately operational for the benefit of the approximately three thousand Italian nationals in the province."